tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57237669353941033392024-03-05T23:34:22.959-05:00Lizzie In Progressworking mom. wife to JEGs. Lover of pretty things. Hater of technology. LizzieBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14402721970584240692noreply@blogger.comBlogger441125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723766935394103339.post-57850551484502575882020-05-28T12:22:00.000-04:002020-05-28T14:50:52.344-04:00Tour du Falconhead Manor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In my <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2020/04/well-hey.html">last post</a> I gave you a quick preview of the first level floor plan of our house and kind of the evolution of our family room in the year we have been living here.<br />
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While I was typing the post I kept thinking to myself, "Girl you really need to do a video tour" but it is day 9833493 of this COVID-19 quarantine and my house looks like a bomb hit; there are toys, dirty socks and school work in every nook and cranny of this house. Seriously though, do your kid's socks just explode off their feet like ours do? I didn't even think either of them own this many socks, and yet I find them in the foyer, in the play room, stuffed between seat cushions. The worst is when I find an uneven number and I just stare at the room, glaring, knowing that somewhere in this mess is another sock. I'll find you sock. It might not be today. It might not be tomorrow. But one day, I will find you.<br />
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I digress.<br />
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I was wishing I could give you a video tour but the internet does not need to see this chaos, when I stumbled upon a video I made the day we made settlement. Well done 2019 Me. It's like you use to blog or something.<br />
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It's not the best quality, and I am talking kind of low. One day, when I can punt everyone out of the house again, I'll make an updated video<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e-VceNtuakM" width="560"></iframe></div>
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If you can't watch the video (or don't feel like listening to me babble... I get it..) here is a floor plan of both the first and second level.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FmuwBc9vNinIW3FKq54Tlgz7tlEh6acq-1GrKlVoVWam335_6LOzmf15a3hvE8ZVcQvgZkKqrvolKnA6b3N11Xl933UvSPn1W5u1ucRmcXvfITFg0uENGDI1V9A-Qb3aMUt5aTIpwC4/s1600/WildbrierFirstLabel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="614" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FmuwBc9vNinIW3FKq54Tlgz7tlEh6acq-1GrKlVoVWam335_6LOzmf15a3hvE8ZVcQvgZkKqrvolKnA6b3N11Xl933UvSPn1W5u1ucRmcXvfITFg0uENGDI1V9A-Qb3aMUt5aTIpwC4/s640/WildbrierFirstLabel2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FIRST FLOOR</td></tr>
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As mentioned in my previous post, and video, the original intent of the front room was to be a formal living room with the dining room right off the kitchen. With a family room and a heated sun room, we didn't feel the need for an additional seating area. We did, however, want a bigger dining space so we moved the dining room to the front. Since we have an eat-in kitchen, we didn't need to have the dining room right off the kitchen.<br />
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We used the original dining space as a playroom for the kids until we can finish the basement and make that the kid's hang out spot. When that happens, we would like to completely gut the kitchen and take down the wall between the kitchen and the playroom, expanding to a gigantic kitchen of my dreams, complete with a monstrous island.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SECOND FLOOR</td></tr>
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The second floor has four bedrooms, and two full bathrooms. We have lots of plans for the master bedroom including creating a closet area in the front of the room and expanding the master bath into where the walk-in closet is now. </div>
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I am trying to clean up rooms to photograph, but it's a loosing battle right now, especially since it has rained nearly every day of this quarantine. Hopefully I can get some updates to the rooms soon. </div>
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ME.</div>
<br />LizzieBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14402721970584240692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723766935394103339.post-225390609672180642020-04-15T13:35:00.001-04:002020-04-15T13:40:14.848-04:00Keeping it Cozy in the Family Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, hey. Welcome back.</div>
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Look at me, two posts in a month. Slap some butter on me cause I'm on a roll.</div>
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Anyway, I figured I would give you guys a quick layout of the new digs, and talk a little about how we are making an old school layout work for us. </div>
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Like I said in my last post, our house is a traditional colonial that was built in 1978. If you are my age, you probably either grew up in a similar style home, or you had a friend who lived in a similar style house. </div>
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These houses were built to have formal spaces, such as a formal living room and a formal dining room. I whipped up a little floor plan (via <a href="http://floorplanner.com/">floorplanner.com</a>) so you can see the flow of our house:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuS1q0LIr2nZ7br1kIyVyEYKABC-tJQobQsP-v7gFwQVgi_oJjP942GMLZgqJdozqqTnL7XjyktqOgbA6kQNYOSiM9O4FfECk6AH-wa46iMdnDVQgqkrKmUpbRe11G_ACgRJde0BJzo24/s1600/WildbrierFirstLabel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="614" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuS1q0LIr2nZ7br1kIyVyEYKABC-tJQobQsP-v7gFwQVgi_oJjP942GMLZgqJdozqqTnL7XjyktqOgbA6kQNYOSiM9O4FfECk6AH-wa46iMdnDVQgqkrKmUpbRe11G_ACgRJde0BJzo24/s640/WildbrierFirstLabel1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Our sun porch is heated, so we have three sitting areas, as well as a back porch accessible from the kitchen. Honestly, we don't need that much seating, especially when the sun porch and the family room open up into each other; when we have big family gatherings, we have found that if we just keep the sliding doors open, everyone can still hang together.<br />
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I did want a bigger dining room though. In our last house we did not have a dining room, so I could never host holidays. We decided that instead of having a third, large formal living room (that would probably not get used) we would use the front room as a formal dining room. The room that was originally meant to be a dining room is now the kids play room.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlH1r0xPGgcbdoalKUATCEqJslSi-Fo-M9LwlhlxmPQx3deO2BtzcKP-HCWzboB3PZysA-vgyqEwYkLTGkW5uJiyFrTU_qRZLNm7u7IF8yk5olIvJ0zniJjyPK-FDHxkweK80elMPBW94/s1600/WildbrierFirstLabel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="614" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlH1r0xPGgcbdoalKUATCEqJslSi-Fo-M9LwlhlxmPQx3deO2BtzcKP-HCWzboB3PZysA-vgyqEwYkLTGkW5uJiyFrTU_qRZLNm7u7IF8yk5olIvJ0zniJjyPK-FDHxkweK80elMPBW94/s640/WildbrierFirstLabel2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am love love LOVING this set up because the keeps the kids toys out of the family room. After years of trying to covertly hide their toys and pretend like the main living area is actually an adult space, I don't have to worry about it anymore. </div>
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Don't get me wrong, there are still plenty of blanket forts, Barbies, and LEGOS and SO MANY NERF DARTS (seriously, they are like the boy version of glitter) that make their way into the family room, but at the end of the night I scoop them up and just dump them in the playroom. </div>
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Out of sight, out of mind. That's my parenting style, y'all. </div>
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The family room is easily where we spend the most time, so I thought I would give you a little tour of the space and you can see it's evolution in the past year. </div>
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(prepare for some shitty iPhone photos. Sorry guys, I didn't take good before photos because I did not intend on blogging again.)</div>
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Most of the house was pretty neutral when we bought it; it looks like the previous owner had painted most of the room white before listing. </div>
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Except for the family room. It was like Philadelphia Flyers Orange on three walls. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I spy with my little eye, a mutt butt.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5xKUsbmEFfk_dbVgwXYrbep7cBqxX03tHmblBYawkXo6DNwuOe_5JOoVF2Cv3vlnwXfh4jgUr1kh_y4QQjw6FN0_5Rp8ZBsmZ2zL-8qUmgbKPPDP6Jstx3iUbBgdkL1JpDZ7GCDLayE/s1600/CSC_0763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5xKUsbmEFfk_dbVgwXYrbep7cBqxX03tHmblBYawkXo6DNwuOe_5JOoVF2Cv3vlnwXfh4jgUr1kh_y4QQjw6FN0_5Rp8ZBsmZ2zL-8qUmgbKPPDP6Jstx3iUbBgdkL1JpDZ7GCDLayE/s640/CSC_0763.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMnMGguy2x_bWjINvUGUxH42s_iEmeizH7jCbI3rIHxS52ezibYawyZb5sQiqeHalDoxnFvHuLtPPQiYPIZQGTcrVMNRNrSdFk5ji4pW8YKDepIv_Q29tqK7iCN0awpO0hb-gd2bhReY/s1600/DSC_0756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMnMGguy2x_bWjINvUGUxH42s_iEmeizH7jCbI3rIHxS52ezibYawyZb5sQiqeHalDoxnFvHuLtPPQiYPIZQGTcrVMNRNrSdFk5ji4pW8YKDepIv_Q29tqK7iCN0awpO0hb-gd2bhReY/s640/DSC_0756.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I guess the white wall was an accent wall? I dunno...</div>
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Anyway, I was thinking about doing the same color as the family room in our<a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2011/05/lighter-and-brighter-makes-lizzie-happy.html"> first house</a>, but I thought to myself "no, let's go darker, more saturated. You're pushing 40 girl, use a grown up color". Also, Valspar had changed the name of the first color and I don't know what it is called now. </div>
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I still wanted a green color, because I find green soothing and peaceful and at the end of the night when I am snuggling with my kids during a movie night or hanging with my girlfriends while chugging wine and gossiping, I want to feel zen AF.</div>
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So I had no less than 39875305793793 samples of paint and finally settled on Sherwin Williams Recycled Glass. A few days after settlement I came over with my paint brush and got started.<br />
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You guys. It was the same. damn. color.<br />
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Maybe this is my signature; Joanna Gaines has ship lap, I have this light green color. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1oZcmOOaLRqEDGUs2hOYteId3dtpO2M4lHWffcpnRLaZe5pDttxC-b7b1QliVruBeX4Qkx1lS1vOOafBUXsYLzIGiceT7L-NLT17oOwnkfxPtqb9rFuOtBIbfRrQkQ_-M-Lot40NYNM/s1600/DSC_0789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1oZcmOOaLRqEDGUs2hOYteId3dtpO2M4lHWffcpnRLaZe5pDttxC-b7b1QliVruBeX4Qkx1lS1vOOafBUXsYLzIGiceT7L-NLT17oOwnkfxPtqb9rFuOtBIbfRrQkQ_-M-Lot40NYNM/s640/DSC_0789.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ahhh, our HOVAS. In the year that our things were in storage, JEGS and I talked about how much we missed our beloved couch. Then, on moving day, as the HOVAS was being set into the family room, that's when this house really began to feel like home. </div>
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The buffet from the old kitchen fit perfectly on side wall and you know we were not leaving our big ass clock behind either. The two white chairs were something I had snagged off Facebook marketplace to stage the last house to sell, so I just plopped them here for extra seating. </div>
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As much as we loved the HOVAS, it was nearly eight years old and starting to show it's age. I mean, it was a white couch and we did have two kids and a dog, so it got dirty really easily.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdzgj_69Cl9f7ANmue0nJHD3opEOcbuYc3cRWEaut2Zb-YvLlplX8p-YbJO4wb_XGn5iiNXwaoCBgI4Ftj8qmI_qqM6GnkiejzHlZi7lnWhNHyFREMtaWQCJMlK_gOW0oYNRAGfwErMY/s1600/DSC_0801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdzgj_69Cl9f7ANmue0nJHD3opEOcbuYc3cRWEaut2Zb-YvLlplX8p-YbJO4wb_XGn5iiNXwaoCBgI4Ftj8qmI_qqM6GnkiejzHlZi7lnWhNHyFREMtaWQCJMlK_gOW0oYNRAGfwErMY/s640/DSC_0801.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was getting good at pulling off the slip cover and washing it, but late in September I was getting ready for Hunter's birthday party and I noticed the slipcover had begun to tear so much, and I just had enough. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bqIvK6ieAoAiVxAFCHg-GE0CYFmHYOmis2BXFDYhgAV_2tH9zj_TwufM9cbIXdzfWXKWEmd3QQbQ-eAYJ1D01q83x9Uh-OSFt4bAdh-sNAFtLlfwrHCbpa3zHxyu8QNgsbaT8CBVGQI/s1600/DSC_0802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bqIvK6ieAoAiVxAFCHg-GE0CYFmHYOmis2BXFDYhgAV_2tH9zj_TwufM9cbIXdzfWXKWEmd3QQbQ-eAYJ1D01q83x9Uh-OSFt4bAdh-sNAFtLlfwrHCbpa3zHxyu8QNgsbaT8CBVGQI/s640/DSC_0802.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYss7ru5SPPPOmcuyb24JsPbthn-zfNsRePO0dmYGxvsC_fSbFEkL3-bdiyfn4ZV9lX25Z7lXWlMSKgw6iG4lmvoA68phWLu6-tRQ0nzgf6jAmXOBdSJFUDvFkw0xtncPDJ5bT1mXqwfw/s1600/DSC_0805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYss7ru5SPPPOmcuyb24JsPbthn-zfNsRePO0dmYGxvsC_fSbFEkL3-bdiyfn4ZV9lX25Z7lXWlMSKgw6iG4lmvoA68phWLu6-tRQ0nzgf6jAmXOBdSJFUDvFkw0xtncPDJ5bT1mXqwfw/s640/DSC_0805.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I texted JEGs that day and said "we are buying a new couch this weekend."</div>
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Again, I was all about buying grown up furniture. I was ok with dropping a little bit of coin because I knew this couch was going to used daily and I wanted something that would stand up to <strike>my destructive children</strike> our family. I wanted something darker (I was NOT going white again) but I still wanted a slipcover though because... well, my kids are slobs. The End.<br />
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I started looking for a couch with slip covers and I could not find anything!<br />
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....except IKEA. IKEA was the only place I could find a sofa I liked that came with a slipcover.<br />
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I am going to rename this blog from <i>Lizzie In Progress</i> to <i>Lizzie Shops at One Store and Uses One Paint Color.</i><br />
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The HOVAS was moved to the basement (that we will eventually finish into a playroom) and we chose the <a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/vimle-corner-sleeper-sofa-5-seat-with-chaise-gunnared-medium-gray-s19293814/">VIMLE</a> sofa because we could customize it and we are very happy with it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYR8ZO-Wyqp50Dfom4J-1lffC4vgxSMb6CQvTldJxqhHajGnYVmGCrxe1Q4xOdip9-5nCiZA36KWliNVcnOU7l4DNZwtQp9-APTziezHbO1LEkLlIxnVwa55xChI-WPlXEX4aPWdUQb4s/s1600/DSC_0859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYR8ZO-Wyqp50Dfom4J-1lffC4vgxSMb6CQvTldJxqhHajGnYVmGCrxe1Q4xOdip9-5nCiZA36KWliNVcnOU7l4DNZwtQp9-APTziezHbO1LEkLlIxnVwa55xChI-WPlXEX4aPWdUQb4s/s640/DSC_0859.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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All four of us can stretch out on this for movie viewing and have room to spare. In fact, I can lay down on the short end and JEGs can stretch out on the long and and we don't even touch.<br />
(how romantic, right? This is what nearly ten years of marriage looks like, haha).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2I-P7c_7rChcCfrMTJLpv9HtVvTx5A7V4FNlQ2qUAIzt05mqwz97__-fwfglhyphenhyphenW19Q0VBSy5UqawiKFxyTSH3AW4KI1X-mFHpiZqqFpAgfu8hzk_Cra_-numm2Slq8Evi9ziaduhaxc/s1600/DSC_0853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2I-P7c_7rChcCfrMTJLpv9HtVvTx5A7V4FNlQ2qUAIzt05mqwz97__-fwfglhyphenhyphenW19Q0VBSy5UqawiKFxyTSH3AW4KI1X-mFHpiZqqFpAgfu8hzk_Cra_-numm2Slq8Evi9ziaduhaxc/s640/DSC_0853.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Since the couch was so dark, I snagged <a href="https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Safavieh-Hudson-Diamond-Trellis-Shag-Ivory-Grey-Rug-8-x-10/9578651/product.html?_branch_match_id=742049436644803185&ahid=ffec73a73474f68605469624f26a3f47&ahid=ffec73a73474f68605469624f26a3f47&cid=289281&cid=289281&ehid=92F842BD214A4B75E0531006140A1951&ehid=92F842BD214A4B75E0531006140A1951&elementId=HERO&elementId=HERO&pos=0&pos=0&send_id=53c2f316-9e89-4fea-9c8d-c2f53763b324&send_id=53c2f316-9e89-4fea-9c8d-c2f53763b324&sentTime=1569861322533&sentTime=1569861322533&tid=0&tid=0&token=289281-28928115400146020190930100921-20190930-1-1967f6&token=289281-28928115400146020190930100921-20190930-1-1967f6&utm_campaign=289281&utm_campaign=289281&utm_medium=email&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Braze&utm_source=Braze">this shag rug</a> from Overstock to help lighten up the space but still keep it cozy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAjsFPE9N4RnSvkGTnvIMzwFwsBEhHyEJ-dGHeXf6RjDJuLZZgulTr2XJwm8iVgIQmUDaGfaMbIYGqy-Oz9E_jGPjCMmTgU1kcS3ewvdDjA2JtlyLzjyILEKGbWi_g6KNFNMkC4cFLAQ/s1600/DSC_0860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAjsFPE9N4RnSvkGTnvIMzwFwsBEhHyEJ-dGHeXf6RjDJuLZZgulTr2XJwm8iVgIQmUDaGfaMbIYGqy-Oz9E_jGPjCMmTgU1kcS3ewvdDjA2JtlyLzjyILEKGbWi_g6KNFNMkC4cFLAQ/s640/DSC_0860.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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JEGs made two custom builds for this room; the first is our coffee table. We had kept the first table that I had painted and upholstered in 2014 with the new couch for a couple of months, but it was driving me nuts. First off, it was too long and too skinny for the new couch. Also, we were spending a lot of time playing board games and doing puzzles with the kids, I wanted something with a more solid surface (putting together a puzzle on a fabric surface is infuriating) and also more space to to spread out. I found a table on IKEAs website (<i>I know, I know..</i>.) and started talking JEGs into purchasing it.<br />
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He took one look at it and said "I can build that".<br />
So I said "Fine. Have it done by Saturday".<br />
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..and so he did.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvlgIm9ii1Ahpc1SE85ee-zRSPbyjj-ddRD_TP4O3-HZUPyXEa_WPlemLoCbfLYGHRnawhxkxgjFef9OA1uGvyBXMFXDKmk9KLtg4wYL1dPCIjRrIL8LMhLJx3hqQQtykbn4zIWqC5V4/s1600/DSC_0865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvlgIm9ii1Ahpc1SE85ee-zRSPbyjj-ddRD_TP4O3-HZUPyXEa_WPlemLoCbfLYGHRnawhxkxgjFef9OA1uGvyBXMFXDKmk9KLtg4wYL1dPCIjRrIL8LMhLJx3hqQQtykbn4zIWqC5V4/s640/DSC_0865.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Also, I wanted to do a gallery wall behind the couch, but I didn't want to have to deal with moving frames, filling holes and whatnot each time I wanted to add or remove a picture. After debating if we wanted to big and chunky shelves or multiple thin shelves, we finally landed on two long and slender picture ledges.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvvssI4LTWp6Fd73YEYCa-dQaGjedS1sxIHouyptJ14ej5JuX-8hW27bvQXrkZR4-5CFN1JuA2RcMGRob_rRjwVL1dr0gE2hCJG-dwA4pQgHXagFm1GcpKswGD9fVZ9uM1QdoOORpLGI/s1600/DSC_0872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvvssI4LTWp6Fd73YEYCa-dQaGjedS1sxIHouyptJ14ej5JuX-8hW27bvQXrkZR4-5CFN1JuA2RcMGRob_rRjwVL1dr0gE2hCJG-dwA4pQgHXagFm1GcpKswGD9fVZ9uM1QdoOORpLGI/s640/DSC_0872.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I have added a couple family photos and so far I love it. I have a couple more frames to fill, but I love that I can add and delete things as much as I want.</div>
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I still have a few things that I want to do in this room; we want more overhead lighting, crown molding, JEGs is talking about building a new TV stand, we might want to build out the fireplace some more and we have been going back and forth about maybe closing up the window that looks out to the sunroom. </div>
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But, for now, we are pretty happy with this room.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SXqMMHeeLe7L2ac3Of7Qsxm8wlMas0nOLgzTarabi6ez6sIMsJGHsPTlLcFlPQ3heCONs6RkTiwghpkUwgqwI9NZDDeZOgpNHmBGQmDaXJv1RYH6YEixcxGlZnc9xdUgUd2Zx82e8p8/s1600/DSC_0846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SXqMMHeeLe7L2ac3Of7Qsxm8wlMas0nOLgzTarabi6ez6sIMsJGHsPTlLcFlPQ3heCONs6RkTiwghpkUwgqwI9NZDDeZOgpNHmBGQmDaXJv1RYH6YEixcxGlZnc9xdUgUd2Zx82e8p8/s640/DSC_0846.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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MELizzieBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14402721970584240692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723766935394103339.post-20063184900680661042020-04-08T13:34:00.002-04:002020-04-08T16:16:26.843-04:00The Road to HomeSoooo, in late April 2019 we did a thing....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIIjS3muDyoBa3Lu11iQiUGIRaszx9Uu-UygQbhIySHFy561xfAihVmGgtK92tk0Os0I1ruAtyZ7TM-wHir7IMS0CGs4eYEcdkHiJsOmbLlOlbHHt1nhgmhVQJT9U5cH6RbYgjjJFbGI/s1600/59506184_2448276385197180_4162016866820161536_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="750" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIIjS3muDyoBa3Lu11iQiUGIRaszx9Uu-UygQbhIySHFy561xfAihVmGgtK92tk0Os0I1ruAtyZ7TM-wHir7IMS0CGs4eYEcdkHiJsOmbLlOlbHHt1nhgmhVQJT9U5cH6RbYgjjJFbGI/s640/59506184_2448276385197180_4162016866820161536_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We settled on our "forever house" that we have fondly dubbed ' Falconhead Manor'.<br />
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..I'm not gonna let this Falconhead thing die, everrrr.<br />
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I talked a little about what made us decide to list our first home <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2018/10/selling-falconhead-cottage.html">here</a>, (along with some before and after photos), and then I just kind of bailed on this blog. Sorry ya'll, two kids, a career and living in a house that is not yours does not make for a lot of blog fodder.<br />
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But in the ten months that we lived with my in-laws, we looked at nearly every single house that came on the market trying to find the right house.<br />
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In August 2018 I was having breakfast with ladies from a local mother's group and the woman knew we were house hunting and began telling me about the neighborhood she walks through and how she met an older gentleman who was thinking about selling his house. I asked her a couple questions about the location of said neighborhood and I quickly realized she was talking this area that JEGs and I had been low-key stalking for years.<br />
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About four years ago JEGs and I went to a pool party at a friends house and we instantly fell in love with the neighborhood; it had large lots, mature trees and it was in the exact school district we were looking, right down to the elementary school I really liked. A bunch of houses came on the market but got snatched up in days, so we never had a chance to jump on them.<br />
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When I realized what neighborhood this woman was talking about at breakfast I shoved my card in her hand and said "if you see this man again, please have him call me. I don't want to sell his house, I want to buy it for myself".<br />
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A couple months passed and I didn't hear anything, and one day in October I got a text from the woman saying that here is the owner's phone number, give him a call. I was SO FREAKING EXCITED. The housing market had been savage over the summer because there were a lot of buyers and very little inventory; houses were getting multiple offers and going thousands over listing price. I was excited to not have to deal with the bidding war because I figured this gentleman and I could keep this as an off market deal.<br />
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I call and get sent to a voicemail that says "I'm sorry I can't come to the phone, I am showing a buyer the house. Please leave a message to schedule a showing".<br />
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I'm sorry. Come again?<br />
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I quickly googled the address and the owner had listed the house For Sale By Owner (FSBO) on Zillow.<br />
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#$&@*$^@(###!!!!<br />
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The owner did call me back, we had a lovely conversation and had scheduled a time to see the house. Unfortunately, we ended up cancelling because after discussing it with JEGs, we were not comfortable with the price the owner had listed it (it was significantly higher than we wanted to pay) so we walked away. A couple days later the house was pulled off Zillow and I figured we had missed our chance.<br />
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Cue sad music and me walking around dragging my feet.<br />
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Fast forward to March 2019 and JEGs mentioned that he saw a house listed in that neighborhood. I looked at the address and realized it was THE house.<br />
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Initially I didn't even want to make an appointment to see the house. NO, I thought, this guy had the chance to sell it to us straight out and he didn't. I don't want his stupid house anyway. Right? Besides, it was a traditional colonial and we had walked through (what seemed like) a thousand of them and had decided the floor plan wasn't what we were looking for. The only thing this house had going for it was the location. You know, next to a horse farm and walking distance to a park. Sitting on a cul-de-sac in a lovely neighborhood. But, pffft... who wants all that lovely stuff, right?<br />
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For closure's sake, we looked at the house with all intentions of not liking it.<br />
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As soon as we walked through the door, it felt like home.<br />
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We got home and wrote up a full price offer and I included a letter that basically said "hi. Remember me? I am the lady who wanted to buy your house six months ago and I still do". Of course there were multiple offers and for some reason (hopefully guilt, just kidding) the seller picked us.<br />
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We settled in April but the house was in a different school district, so we waiting until the end of May to move. This way I was only trucking The Boy back and forth to school for two weeks.<br />
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We have some big plans for this house, including how we are going to make this floor plan work for our family. I can't wait to share what we have done so far and what we plan to do.<br />
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It feels so so so good to be settled and in our forever home.<br />
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ME<br />
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<br />LizzieBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14402721970584240692noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723766935394103339.post-30801905872638893322018-10-29T22:55:00.000-04:002018-11-14T14:20:36.603-05:00Selling Falconhead Cottage<br />
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On June 28, 2018 JEGs and I sat in a conference room in Conshohoken and handed over the keys of Falconhead Cottage to the new owners. They were a young, newly engaged couple excited to buy their first house. The settlement was filled with questions about utilities, neighbors, laughter, beer and surprisingly no tears (I was damn proud of myself for not crying).<br />
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How did we get to this point? Well, we always knew this was a starter home, and after our daughter was born it was clear that our time (and the space) was running short. In October 2017 we has started softly looking at bigger homes, testing out who was going to win the right to be named Falconhead Estate, but we were unsure if our house would sell. In February 2018, someone in our neighborhood Facebook group said their cousin loved this neighborhood and was hoping to purchase in the neighborhood, was anyone selling their house. JEGs and I thought, what the heck? Let's have this chick over to see our house. She made an offer, and months passed while we negotiated back and forth. In the time we were negotiating the Eagles won the Super Bowl, JEGs' grandmother passed away, it snowed A LOT and I had breast reduction surgery (I'll tell you about that another time). We couldn't come to an agreement with this woman, but JEGs and I started to think that maybe we could get this house sold. </div>
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So we made the decision to finish up a couple small projects, move anything we didn't need for the next three months into a storage unit and put up a FOR SALE sign in the yard during the second week of May. Three days and four offers later, we were under contract. Let the packing begin.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVv1OOnceGVetiU2iwAW0_zEjwoVwzktN1XK8AfrzPIS2-GPwR23enPfXBp3TsJpb9ql7jxu1r7bA6dxW4NS3iQbplW0kQL_XSJxECh0E3nA91KrX-Wa99W-wsc8XQGc7CbXoLFb9bQA/s1600/TessaPacking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="605" height="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVv1OOnceGVetiU2iwAW0_zEjwoVwzktN1XK8AfrzPIS2-GPwR23enPfXBp3TsJpb9ql7jxu1r7bA6dxW4NS3iQbplW0kQL_XSJxECh0E3nA91KrX-Wa99W-wsc8XQGc7CbXoLFb9bQA/s640/TessaPacking.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/lifethatisgood/">Instagram: LifeThatIsGood</a></td></tr>
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We were very lucky to have the ability to move in with my in-laws while we search for our next home. All of our things are in a storage unit and we currently live in a house built by my husband's grandfather where my mother-in-law grew up and my husband grew up. It's a small town in Chester County, Pennsylvania and the neighbor has a rooster that crows all. day. long. This city girl is struggling. Also, I have never seen a real live chipmunk before I came to Chester County. They are cute as hell and I want one for a pet. </div>
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Anyway, I thought I would do an official "Before" and "After" post. Without further ado, I present the most finished version of Falconhead that we were going to do:</div>
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Here is a refresher of what we bought:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZgO9JtyfbDdEmzo1m0oWgI4o-u2_J3V9fE8uBR9Iv45sh9hQBRVhAKdjEQBLIk710Jup43qQt0E3dXFXwU9nX5c71MbdezA9YlIcEnqoF-LAY0ExgAWYFcEenfc5EGHcDAtb-UMA4Ekj/s640/l1ecc9f42-c12o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more bushes than a 70's porno</td></tr>
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We ripped out pretty much every single bush/tree there was and listed it on Craiglists. I planted three hydrangea bushes and it opened up the porch.<br />
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The backyard was pretty much unseen on the blog, which is a shame because it was huge for the area. We had taken down a tree, filled in all the holes the previous owner's dog had dug and added a small shed and swing set for the kids.<br />
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Living Room</div>
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In the summer of 2017 we finally made the choice to replace all the flooring in the main level. It was originally the cheapest carpet Lowes had to offer and a kitchen full of cracked grout and cracked tiles. I HATED it. JEGs installed laminate floors throughout in a honey oak to match the original hardwood that ran upstairs. He also ripped out the entire landing that was patched together with 2x4's and plywood and expanded it with real hardwood.<br />
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KITCHEN</div>
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One of the most dramatic changes, I think, is the kitchen. We painted the walls in Spring 2012, but when we replaced the floors, we also painted the cabinets, replaced the hardware and my vision of moving that stupid island finally came to fruition. We added wainscoting to the island to add interest and JEGs installed an electrical outlet on the island. Not shown: the amazeballs sliding shelves he built for each side of the cabinets in the island. LIFE CHANGING YOU GUYS. I want all my shelves to slide now.<br />
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See that sexxxxay fridge? JEGs bought that off Craigslist for $250 because it didn't work. He snagged a part off Amazon and had it working in a jiffy. We sold our previous fridge for $250, so it was basically a wash. I miss that fridge like woah.<br />
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MUDROOM</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4BYkybs6MpBdL4cJLbghFAulUWA0gd3c-QdoSTlVJhcCio7rSc0edy2w9kTlHg4RdNI8k-1zJe4Qu3ciSYt58FPzq3PDxt7XpIQFCkCCyqI8kiUXaIKS9shA6-WlksfwbC1GCYo41zA/s1600/MudroomBefore1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4BYkybs6MpBdL4cJLbghFAulUWA0gd3c-QdoSTlVJhcCio7rSc0edy2w9kTlHg4RdNI8k-1zJe4Qu3ciSYt58FPzq3PDxt7XpIQFCkCCyqI8kiUXaIKS9shA6-WlksfwbC1GCYo41zA/s640/MudroomBefore1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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A little bit of paint, new floors and some cabinets and BOOM- transformation. I wish I could say that it was that easy but this floor was so unlevel, JEGs still can't talk about it with out cussing.</div>
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NURSERY</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wb8VQ5xckm_8Rz_CrmQRW9eCh0zjjQ_jKNjpd6VnEruyQMGcGB5syq7_OlsXrXyMzPUVEjKMlwAiVaVCdTnHcUXuB_g6AdsyZTEzsishlHl9WyJGd8vOrkLrru9tje3aNLy-AjCJZQw/s1600/BabyRoomBefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wb8VQ5xckm_8Rz_CrmQRW9eCh0zjjQ_jKNjpd6VnEruyQMGcGB5syq7_OlsXrXyMzPUVEjKMlwAiVaVCdTnHcUXuB_g6AdsyZTEzsishlHl9WyJGd8vOrkLrru9tje3aNLy-AjCJZQw/s640/BabyRoomBefore.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Some of you may remember that when we first moved in, this small room at the top of the steps was used as my walk-in closet. Then we got the <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2011/05/pregnancy-faqs.html">shocking news that we were pregnant,</a> and it quickly became our<a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2013/03/stick-fork-in-this.html"> son's nursery</a>. When our daughter was born, it got a girly make-over. </div>
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SECOND BEDROOM</div>
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When we first moved into this house, this bedroom was storage. <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2013/09/one-room-many-functions.html">We added a couch</a> and tried to pretend like it was a man cave/playroom, but if I am being honest, it was just a place to shove our crap. When the little lady was born, we made it a big boy room. It was probably one of my favorite rooms. JEGs bust out the closet, dry walled it and install bi-fold doors. He made a radiator cover and added quarter round throughout the whole room. This room got so much light during the day; sometimes I would just sit on his bed and marvel at how this turned out.<br />
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BATHROOM</div>
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I mean, that blue, right? LAWDY I hated that color. One of our last minute pushes to sell the house we decided to to replace the sink top and faucet as well as switch out the medicine cabinet with an IKEA mirror. We added some shelves over the toilet and done. </div>
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MASTER BEDROOM</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEgAYC_pNxcXlhR2EEFnEiePGbsKxDWfRzC8XXHfpD1eh6JJwQWTYVlGKwbL-FzhiL1zao214OQIXLupR0tkL9MjUakK8C3LIXSgUd3ekZJvkIhoVU4sGi800T6IohD1DxDcnPQmvL4k/s1600/MasterProgress1A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEgAYC_pNxcXlhR2EEFnEiePGbsKxDWfRzC8XXHfpD1eh6JJwQWTYVlGKwbL-FzhiL1zao214OQIXLupR0tkL9MjUakK8C3LIXSgUd3ekZJvkIhoVU4sGi800T6IohD1DxDcnPQmvL4k/s640/MasterProgress1A.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh this bedroom. We pulled this shit together in the eleventh hour to list the house. If you remember, <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2011/08/place-to-hang-our-hats-and-everything.html">we had hung two rods in the nook area</a> to expand our closet since the original closet was not big enough for use to use functionally. We had plans of creating an entire all of closets, but it never happened. So instead we decided to create a medicine closet in the storage space (you can kind of see it peeking out behind the bedroom door, and then JEGs built a custom closet system to house all our hanging clothes and shoes. My parents gave us a dresser they were keeping in the garage and we slid that into the nook area and paired it with a circular mirror. JEGs also built a radiator cover and bookshelf for added character and storage. I was a little upset we waited as long as we did to make these upgrades, because it improved the functionality of this room 100%.<br />
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<img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/i4Gm8gHg-l69sCgOzLO0Enj50rslBCnG7nGg8TkJ2dlCc_iEkJzDZKwLfu6h0pfuSL14ccDuGdGbdlnP-lttnw9Xaje6lLoZuRVRgonld86w-Dx8tVhxsFnIkigSSGSJXIIV2O2cyaI1h06w0conRKTVoXsKsZLaIwbY8X1NtCeW6sCwK-m7Arz0hRjVeT-ArM24I4Dwcxcn0l9gIKjw2vBNfXcEWr5o780xQqkwPj9P25uDuOwoowBZGouOoZ8-C5sl90BLFPKWUzqF6Qf6ZQHl3a6ne-t4RI1ZJu9x8t3rIeIJBhdfRwNryraifBM1fh7R2X4OtSmGNCzRQWpH7Kkoazz303rhB4lk0UjA9Zy-koYTd0mOL2vlgjuPfmt_s7aPMkLft30Z1nnnrERHBmhnrk6UKnYEjUfb9MQ5xVShENVD3ML0ftxtdB1TxFQR1pX3Pjz7tIY-qgu9zQyp8sJRV15BaA9WOd2IgyxteztVR2a-r82aNDc7yeN3ycsOwYxn8ofXVnbe-t9ljBi8GqWhATCxIeNYlnI7l7DeDeKA4Yy_kZek_NtXG2OsYR1Ur3Nn5D3HqDY2Fcb_MUDDBF01ILEVlo9cfx69PjOrbBg8Hs-dGXx1mO87xNLQQqL4QI9ct1pu5NifUywkO_E84VQazW1KetfvcxKOA5ys1wqnBBVF5y3WzbTbk69UA7U429AlHir_GWU9wjJcdw=w470-h626-no" width="480" /></div>
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This post has served as a "letting go", if you will. Selling this home and moving was very emotional for me; I still have bouts of feeling home sick. While we are so very luck that we were able to move in with my in-laws, this is not our home and I miss feeling of being settled at home. But I am excited to find the next house; after all the lessons we learned as homeowners in our previous house we have a must-have list a mile long. Maybe I will even blog about house hunting again ;)</div>
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So farewell to you Falconhead Cottage. You were our home for seven years, two months and twenty one days. I hope the new owners have as many joyous memories as we did.</div>
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xoxo, </div>
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ME</div>
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LizzieBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14402721970584240692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723766935394103339.post-66507941559654842382016-01-19T20:18:00.000-05:002016-01-19T20:18:06.407-05:00The State of My Living RoomAt one point, this is what my living room looked like:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGBXi4W2MEcncm9m2jLfegB4L4F4e9EQfejR3GmW4miVC7iJzaws7h5e5OMllgcIX3CT5iVKUnCzrL-8jurab8JPfYh5fXAyqZcrmZkoaji7yLc5e-3NGLYl8_u42-64EcY-0Y68T9zg/s1600/DSC_0525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGBXi4W2MEcncm9m2jLfegB4L4F4e9EQfejR3GmW4miVC7iJzaws7h5e5OMllgcIX3CT5iVKUnCzrL-8jurab8JPfYh5fXAyqZcrmZkoaji7yLc5e-3NGLYl8_u42-64EcY-0Y68T9zg/s1600/DSC_0525.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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...like a dorm room full of hand-me-down furniture.<br />
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I kept saying I was going to refinish the side table, coffee table, and chair when the weather got warmer. Well, time passed and I finally decided to get to gettin'.<br />
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I decided to start with the side table. Let me tell you, I had a devil of a time finding a table to fit this area. Our couch is very deep, the space between the couch and wall is not very wide and I needed storage, so I was looking for something very specific. I had been scouring Craigslist and thrift stores to no avail. <br />
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One day I was paruzzing Target's website (like I do pretty much every day) and I stumbled upon this little gem<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eCE48N6F8nzJeei3LkR6b3A8S7hmC0JtJaGXXW5zN_hDuC4UhfLqPt3E67OxHF1RppIQMaiDiXzvmRCnoEM20lbnw_uzeYlCMX2-5ULbpdhDZZ9nmNUg8yMht-fadpiEYhNIUoS3IXM1/s640/targetconsole.png" /><br />
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Even though it was technically a console table, if I turned it to the side, the length and width were basically exactly what I was looking for. I showed it to JEGs, and at first he was all "I can build that" and I said "...ok, but WILL you build it" and he bascially said "eeehhh... let's order it". <br />
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I love it when he lets me do what I want.<br />
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I used my Target RedCard and got an extra 5% off and free shipping so I knocked the price down to about $53 and some change shipped. Boom. <br />
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Because of the price, we were hesitant about it, but we were pleasantly surprised that this table is 100% real wood, and it's pretty solid. Our only beef was it was too tall, and we didn't like how low the shelf was. JEGs took the saw to the legs and lobbed off a couple of inches to make it a better height for our couch. Since the shelf was only held up with brackets, we moved it up to a little more<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAbSiFe62Y_Ml5ptbNsy5mgJZLK9fzgrsqRlHDY1cx53ZeUaIZheXPEFixNp1jwQVR_RBxP8DyKoa9hqgBW4-oHfyYNU7W2N5vEvLmrpF7Bsyl2BVrniYBY5-A2cYzxB7WWZJofpUipU/s1600/DSC_0545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAbSiFe62Y_Ml5ptbNsy5mgJZLK9fzgrsqRlHDY1cx53ZeUaIZheXPEFixNp1jwQVR_RBxP8DyKoa9hqgBW4-oHfyYNU7W2N5vEvLmrpF7Bsyl2BVrniYBY5-A2cYzxB7WWZJofpUipU/s1600/DSC_0545.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Like I said, this is made of legit wood, you guys!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7J5al1Ofn1ms77MJW6yd9aCzXkJDtqpHRsdREjwiv4gR38VGCmI6_s2mVIJ89X-jXUX5TkGTc2ULwcS49n9bPOfhEpIyI50YvrWtd2iL3qLFBquAo0k_jnVbtK3H-Z6bSxbjitdFgG4/s1600/DSC_0547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7J5al1Ofn1ms77MJW6yd9aCzXkJDtqpHRsdREjwiv4gR38VGCmI6_s2mVIJ89X-jXUX5TkGTc2ULwcS49n9bPOfhEpIyI50YvrWtd2iL3qLFBquAo0k_jnVbtK3H-Z6bSxbjitdFgG4/s1600/DSC_0547.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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For about six months we kept it the natural wood. I liked the lightness of it, but my plans for the chair and the coffee table are to go lighter and I felt like something needed to balance out the darkness of the stairs and fireplace. Andplusalso, the natural wood seemed to blend into the couch and rug. I wanted it to pop some more.<br />
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The coffee table and chair were the same color, and even though I didn't plan for them to stay that color, I did really like the tone of the stain. I stopped at Lowes and snagged a small can of Minwax stain. I don't know what makes it sooooooo much better than the other walnuts out there, but it's schuper schpecial.<br />
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After pouring myself the necessary glass of Cabernet, I got down to it. Normally I would recommend doing this outside, but I am impatient and decided to stain in the kitchen on a Friday night. Since we had been using it for about six months as is, I gave it a good sanding to scrub off all the gunk it had acquired. I opened all the windows for ventilation and put the table on a piece of cardboard.<br />
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The directions mention it can be left on between 5-15 minutes before wiping, but I opted for the lesser time to control the color. <br />
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It only took about two coats (three coats in some spots) but I am really happy with the outcome.<br />
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The shelf is perfect for holding our "snuggle blanket" along with a pile of my magazines (that one day I will hopefully get to read). We also have a little box that corrals all of our coasters and remotes.<br />
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Underneath we have enough space to tuck in three IKEA<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S49871676/"> SAMLA</a> containers of Hunter's cars, LEGOs and other various toys. <br />
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One down... two more to go...</div>
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Always & Forever,<br />
MELizzieBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14402721970584240692noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723766935394103339.post-30760744208264119122015-12-30T16:56:00.002-05:002015-12-30T17:05:25.559-05:00Christmas Tour 2015<span id="goog_2010059906"></span><span id="goog_2010059907"></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instagram: LifeThatIsGood</td></tr>
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We have nothing coming up in the next two weeks, and I am totally ok with this. We are rounding out three weeks of insanity with me working at the chopper, holiday parties, my cousin visiting for a week, lots of drinking, more chopper work and the holidays. Not to mention Hunter, Tessa and I have been passing around a cold back and forth for two weeks.<br />
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We had a great holiday- Hunter was totally spoiled by Santa and family, as was Tessa. Christmas Eve was spent at my parents house for a big turkey dinner and gift exchange with my family. JEGs made the most amazeballs cannolis <i>from scratch</i>. When we got home, Hunter was super psyched to put out cookies and milk for Santa.<br />
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Tessa was trying to snatch the cookies for herself...<br />
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Christmas morning Hunter tore through his gifts and then we headed over to my in-laws where Hunter opened 29479274287 more gifts and I cooked my first Christmas dinner. It was also my turn to have the head cold, so that was awesome.<br />
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Ya'll I am tired. JEGs and I don't have anything planned for New Year's Eve except a steak dinner and maybe a bottle of red wine. I can't even promise I'll make it to midnight. <br />
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This is me, firmly planted in my 30s. <br />
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Anyway, I thought I would do a quick holiday tour of the house. We keep the decorations up until January 8th; my mom always did for Three Kings Day, but also JEGs' family celebrates Ukrainian Christmas on January 7th.<br />
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The outside got the usual garland strung from the porch and lights around the trees. I took this picture the week before Christmas when our neighborhood did a luminaries night. <br />
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Mother Nature was brutal to my decorations this year. We haven't had any snow, but it has been super windy, so I have been collecting my decorations from my neighbor's driveway daily. </div>
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I added some seasonal throw pillows to our rocking chairs. The HO HO HO pillow came from the Dollar Spot at Target a couple years ago and the buffalo plaid pillow came from Joann's this year. The bigger pillows I made years ago from a table cloth.</div>
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I snagged a galvanized bucket from the Dollar Spot this year and added some burlap and satin ribbon. My mom and I got clippings from a tree farm for free, so I arranged them to the bucket.<br />
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My trusty vintage sled is propped up next to the mail box and I planted poinsettias in the pot with more free clippings to fill in. <br />
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The mantel got a little bit of a make under this year. Instead of swagging the garland in the front, I sat it back behind everything. Some candle sticks and faux trees anchored the space.</div>
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This year I wanted it to be all about the stockings. Since we got to add a fourth stocking this year for Tessa, I had to retire my JOY stocking holders. </div>
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Pottery Barn had this really sweet Santa sleigh and reindeer set that I loved, but at $40 per stocking holder, I was having a hard time making the commitment. Then I found these adorable reindeer holders at Target for $10 each and I was sold. </div>
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The red ornaments from years past were retired and new gold (shatter proof) ornaments took their place on our tree along side our wood and felt (unbreakable ornaments).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXt0EarMmsIJhcENyCZoJEI_f3kPgA1AQerYL9GVvYxDUpZjtouRMQn67BpW_NPplhXFFhzc2F7N1LrlPxA3jgYenn8BiYxhkGyi5duzathPa8Emly1wddsQJB-wdDJcDKOzfUgqyZ_AU/s1600/DSC_0933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXt0EarMmsIJhcENyCZoJEI_f3kPgA1AQerYL9GVvYxDUpZjtouRMQn67BpW_NPplhXFFhzc2F7N1LrlPxA3jgYenn8BiYxhkGyi5duzathPa8Emly1wddsQJB-wdDJcDKOzfUgqyZ_AU/s640/DSC_0933.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I did add a new ornament to commemorate our family trip to Maine at the end of August</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzdn79e03vrJ2AyhZYEy0mpmvR7awsLefTYB62UZGH5M4e6SgkuD4kc1jw5lopJu6FedYcNIugtElQMHHHHi4VuiQ7Q5YzmPPOjcuIkIy95VyM55whH87eDlp-o3AiFcBDekoAL_Nwr0/s1600/DSC_0929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzdn79e03vrJ2AyhZYEy0mpmvR7awsLefTYB62UZGH5M4e6SgkuD4kc1jw5lopJu6FedYcNIugtElQMHHHHi4VuiQ7Q5YzmPPOjcuIkIy95VyM55whH87eDlp-o3AiFcBDekoAL_Nwr0/s640/DSC_0929.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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More garland up the banister. I love me some twinkle lights.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefkEL39bvdnyCJ0TxDjOVkkbvF8P6DWID1j2K_QVrpsrjZdQDABpa3rpjbr4dS9EczDj3oyPzqqh4kJ7XwdwiUk-ixJwtOvpWmJ94riuUEZds7yx-Chqzwn6p8yA4R7cKHsYnbk4wt40/s1600/DSC_0939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefkEL39bvdnyCJ0TxDjOVkkbvF8P6DWID1j2K_QVrpsrjZdQDABpa3rpjbr4dS9EczDj3oyPzqqh4kJ7XwdwiUk-ixJwtOvpWmJ94riuUEZds7yx-Chqzwn6p8yA4R7cKHsYnbk4wt40/s640/DSC_0939.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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When I was finished decorating the living room, I had a bunch of stuff left over that I really love but didn't have a place for; my twine trees, Justin's favorite Ark of the Covenant deer and my manger set. The only answer was to set them all on the buffet with some more free clippings. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxH603LG2eMrTUpji8Mz2HEiPUXSuF3Qm3QPohwayN6rHzjwjZM1t8_ul1NJ4EsBwuu-vzdT2VcOxXfCdARkHi6bfjbTZUV-HNRHqzAlj9aTuhW2KGWhqdGI9wzpQS0f76o1u-dO9hhbc/s1600/DSC_0945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxH603LG2eMrTUpji8Mz2HEiPUXSuF3Qm3QPohwayN6rHzjwjZM1t8_ul1NJ4EsBwuu-vzdT2VcOxXfCdARkHi6bfjbTZUV-HNRHqzAlj9aTuhW2KGWhqdGI9wzpQS0f76o1u-dO9hhbc/s640/DSC_0945.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I added the chalkboard behind it because I was feeling sassy. That's just how I do. Feelin' sassy, add a chalkboard. </div>
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I hope your New Years is as eventful or uneventful as you hoped. </div>
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From our family to yours, Happy New Year!</div>
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Always & Forever,<br />
MELizzieBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14402721970584240692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723766935394103339.post-21575885641632403842015-12-23T21:43:00.002-05:002015-12-23T21:51:52.393-05:00Santa Babies 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's that time of year again! Time to shell out twenty-five bucks for a picture of your kids sitting on a stranger's lap. </div>
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It's Mall Santa Time!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFcdJMqeznc61qG4SR3tN7Ch9KGN4qJf5gKQSU_TFlYbQ-ahlU-7U1IriO2vhierlXNUv5rnkHjpgUs8jBq_wd5HjdIcDBH9mR-quFuvG3ZwpOu4VUybVevgRk5W_6stkfMfkhO6w5Pg/s1600/IMG_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFcdJMqeznc61qG4SR3tN7Ch9KGN4qJf5gKQSU_TFlYbQ-ahlU-7U1IriO2vhierlXNUv5rnkHjpgUs8jBq_wd5HjdIcDBH9mR-quFuvG3ZwpOu4VUybVevgRk5W_6stkfMfkhO6w5Pg/s640/IMG_0001.jpg" width="440" /></a></div>
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Ok, so there is Tessa. But where is Hunter you ask? Well, that's fun story, so settle in with a snack and I shall share with you.</div>
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One Friday afternoon, JEGs took a half day off work so we could take the chitlins to see Santa. Hunter was super psyched. When we told him what we were doing, he started jumping up and down with excitement. </div>
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So we wait in line and talk about what he is going to ask Santa (the<a href="http://www.toysrus.com/buy/figures/miles-from-tomorrowland-stellosphere-l86210-57583726"> Stellosphere</a>, in case you are wondering), but when it is our turn to sit on his lap, Hunter won't go up to him and walks away. He isn't scared, he isn't crying, he just refuses. We try to coax him, but he is not interested. Thinking he is being is normal stubborn, 4-year-old self, we get Tessa's picture taken and call it a day.</div>
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Later that evening, JEGs is putting the monster to bed, and he asks him why he didn't want to sit on Santa's lap and the kid bursts out crying. He starts saying Santa looked angry because the Elf on the Shelf told Santa that Hunter hasn't been a good listener and Hunter was scared Santa would be mad at him.</div>
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You guys.... we don't even have an Elf on the Shelf. </div>
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Right after Thanksgiving we talked about getting one because Hunter has been mouthy lately. (Oh 4. What a fun fun age. #sarcasmfont). But being the super cheap skate that I am, I didn't want to shell out $30 for one. So we mentioned a couple times that the Elf <i>might</i> show up, but that was it. </div>
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Of course we are completely heart broken that he was this upset over something we didn't even have, so I took him back to a different Santa- with the explanation that Santa goes to different malls every day- so he could tell him he was going to work on being a good boy... and he would like the Stellosphere.</div>
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I asked him if he wanted to have his picture taken with Tessa, and he said no because she already had her own picture. I figured that was fair enough.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElEnzdlyCsUKSOGsIXPcgwsBQnAe1bNnwD0BVotAyl9FMnRy_mgPoC7eaUMPZQm0G6yWIwgSYT4kvisRXwDhKPh2M0lcA-1EWxlut__bhx0U1M-tHyAFkC4gJ5QM2mPGE-O97XR9q1-I/s1600/IMG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElEnzdlyCsUKSOGsIXPcgwsBQnAe1bNnwD0BVotAyl9FMnRy_mgPoC7eaUMPZQm0G6yWIwgSYT4kvisRXwDhKPh2M0lcA-1EWxlut__bhx0U1M-tHyAFkC4gJ5QM2mPGE-O97XR9q1-I/s640/IMG.jpg" width="406" /></a></div>
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So for 2015 Hunter is getting is final singular picture with Santa, because I sure as hell am not spending $50 on pictures with Santa again. <br />
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Always & Forever,<br />
MELizzieBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14402721970584240692noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723766935394103339.post-23618604664696954462015-12-09T16:46:00.001-05:002015-12-09T16:46:30.137-05:00DIY Burlap Bow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had these two wreaths that hung in my kitchen windows over the buffet that I was procrastinating in putting up. I felt like they needed a little something, but I didn't know what. So they sat on my kitchen island for over a week.</div>
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This afternoon I was on a mission to clear off the counter tops, so it was decision time.</div>
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My first step was to give Tessa a teething biscuit to occupy her. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2JlJY9iwx6b18fLFXB3TltHJB5EiiFiySH962UQ4u16Ty7TBLJ3DE-NFWAaeElXzqw8ZEHuVDV8ufGx6_RpxJSobYxyIX3Xs52v8SpnvM7SjsybPRFlWdF8N0cMBeK5lqdvNk1wc6fA/s1600/20151209_153258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2JlJY9iwx6b18fLFXB3TltHJB5EiiFiySH962UQ4u16Ty7TBLJ3DE-NFWAaeElXzqw8ZEHuVDV8ufGx6_RpxJSobYxyIX3Xs52v8SpnvM7SjsybPRFlWdF8N0cMBeK5lqdvNk1wc6fA/s640/20151209_153258.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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I was in Target last week (you know, for a change, right?) and I snagged this burlap ribbon from the Dollar Spot. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilC-g5tTAcL1az5LwomuCfNmG1eOOeEJpne4LWlrSUXM6Ld6zJk1DYPHOB9oi0k5-fn9bnVe-u2ErRpkDCzuiIoHN_sRqOUwrDPMPfkMFeLYoDLCUtSaN2w3nZU_8FVOVlncdN0f6XkJc/s1600/20151209_153225%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilC-g5tTAcL1az5LwomuCfNmG1eOOeEJpne4LWlrSUXM6Ld6zJk1DYPHOB9oi0k5-fn9bnVe-u2ErRpkDCzuiIoHN_sRqOUwrDPMPfkMFeLYoDLCUtSaN2w3nZU_8FVOVlncdN0f6XkJc/s640/20151209_153225%255B1%255D.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Six feet for a dollar? I'll take three, thankyouverymuch.</div>
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I busted out my bow making skills from my cheerleading days and made two rustic burlap and twine bows for the wreaths.</div>
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First, I cut a section of the ribbon. I used a 30 inch length, but you can do whatever size makes your heart happy. </div>
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I folded one side over, maybe 10- 12 inches.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6W8Nosl3g4g-O0tIjYcPyPuyST0EzitgKHeMjn6RexPQ1TBedN8YuLqhuhDG4OEje3QMJeEXsd1YZAb759G0-FzvorluiWVD6AWGVm1IbijSvZrYd6eEsE_QggF-Da6cZuJtaJ__B7w/s1600/20151209_153429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6W8Nosl3g4g-O0tIjYcPyPuyST0EzitgKHeMjn6RexPQ1TBedN8YuLqhuhDG4OEje3QMJeEXsd1YZAb759G0-FzvorluiWVD6AWGVm1IbijSvZrYd6eEsE_QggF-Da6cZuJtaJ__B7w/s640/20151209_153429.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then I folded the other side over about 10-12 inches. Again, you can adjust if you want a bigger or smaller bow. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bpBpcHdllOBtUAIkJdc0wOzuw8wzXYyCzrh34Pj3tXi7J3w8SJTHhkiK-vJgvHvd17oGKtPQcVX7AcrP_mJsXEObW5H7JvXPzGuQW_W7xP79JQLYE3zotZh_r6mEcvZ-lIqFxXOj0CQ/s1600/20151209_153508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bpBpcHdllOBtUAIkJdc0wOzuw8wzXYyCzrh34Pj3tXi7J3w8SJTHhkiK-vJgvHvd17oGKtPQcVX7AcrP_mJsXEObW5H7JvXPzGuQW_W7xP79JQLYE3zotZh_r6mEcvZ-lIqFxXOj0CQ/s640/20151209_153508.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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I picked up my folded ribbon where it crossed over and pinched it shut. You can start to see it taking the shape of a bow now</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvS-oeMpUHxQgAYkxOuyllV9T1GDDYd44aqCR_-YGnFnifx8iL1N7Jb8njsnDlG_TSXXjG_DCdv1iAgDgYu8cmKYiJbUd5nEe0g_dtMRihW6rB-sqp7OykyJjxFYe2vzvrFpSpfvQHSU/s1600/20151209_153551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvS-oeMpUHxQgAYkxOuyllV9T1GDDYd44aqCR_-YGnFnifx8iL1N7Jb8njsnDlG_TSXXjG_DCdv1iAgDgYu8cmKYiJbUd5nEe0g_dtMRihW6rB-sqp7OykyJjxFYe2vzvrFpSpfvQHSU/s640/20151209_153551.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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I still have twine laying around from <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2012/11/dare-to-diy-dare-to-entertain.html">this post,</a> so I cut an 18 inch length to use for my middle. I wrapped it around twice at first, so I could adjust as needed. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3DoMg6uUxk1D9BWfBkQt0GdBl97Zwb851u0Pf6VlczmxKgCWXIpGWbI6NRSC4FiWziwuvqYpoan3x8QRjh26ap7rch5kBM-o6EdfbYmUfYimpHUJUlLDJECvgLlZY1yTJmohgKe0TiE/s1600/20151209_153612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3DoMg6uUxk1D9BWfBkQt0GdBl97Zwb851u0Pf6VlczmxKgCWXIpGWbI6NRSC4FiWziwuvqYpoan3x8QRjh26ap7rch5kBM-o6EdfbYmUfYimpHUJUlLDJECvgLlZY1yTJmohgKe0TiE/s640/20151209_153612.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once I was happy with the placement, I wrapped it around more times<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpq0jhHdjj8k5iXhZeyUqcEvNUhJQuWIV9uo0mmgpONr4rQC6Q2Ru149kQMG_wExi8Dk3lqPmcnjKJk-YBuG6KIMbgmKusAeJ7Pbtn6UV6QmXVGgWU4HyY_zMSLRcCionYGWrKLYkhrwg/s1600/20151209_153721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpq0jhHdjj8k5iXhZeyUqcEvNUhJQuWIV9uo0mmgpONr4rQC6Q2Ru149kQMG_wExi8Dk3lqPmcnjKJk-YBuG6KIMbgmKusAeJ7Pbtn6UV6QmXVGgWU4HyY_zMSLRcCionYGWrKLYkhrwg/s640/20151209_153721.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I tied it in the back, leaving some extra twine to tie it onto the wreath.<br />
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Tada!<br />
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It took me less than 15 minutes to create two bows Super easy!</div>
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...and then I remembered I gave the baby a biscuit and now I had to clean up that holy mess. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1HUFatthB4nqX9MskCdU-zOiLd_1vuCWNg0jTqYS15KBiOtCon5mTKVWvaN8_ClRqzVkFW6XPhfcqRZSOxZWOK2EyMk9PtEFHlVi5nmW1ZBBbgQZ0YkZHI449PUJwzog59vpCqZ-P_w/s1600/20151209_154725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1HUFatthB4nqX9MskCdU-zOiLd_1vuCWNg0jTqYS15KBiOtCon5mTKVWvaN8_ClRqzVkFW6XPhfcqRZSOxZWOK2EyMk9PtEFHlVi5nmW1ZBBbgQZ0YkZHI449PUJwzog59vpCqZ-P_w/s640/20151209_154725.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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She is smiling because she knows I am about to find the soggy chunk of biscuit that fell on her lap. Surprise Mom!</div>
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Always & forever,<br />
MELizzieBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14402721970584240692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723766935394103339.post-88825228891581911452015-12-07T19:08:00.001-05:002015-12-07T19:08:39.109-05:00*Taps Mic* Anyone out there?Well, hey.<br />
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Remember me? I'm <strike>Lizzie</strike> AMY, and I used to write this blog.</div>
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I know, I know, it's been a while since I dusted off the old keyboard. I've been wanting to come back, but I always felt I needed a big long explanation post, and a completely new look on the page.</div>
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Welps, I've got a new look, so that's something right?<br />
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As far as an explanation, I don't have much, except this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknH_9n-zwczqQcvuquXy_ANizV7CbvFTtD0hP2j_I5PauxVX1s9RSeZcrnpgdkm6xOLMVUNePhPj7p1gra-wsuS7ptIIb302e-62ysqcF9lLxABhmid6oTECxXrsrxPYtA5S3Mi8L2XQ/s1600/DSC_0685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknH_9n-zwczqQcvuquXy_ANizV7CbvFTtD0hP2j_I5PauxVX1s9RSeZcrnpgdkm6xOLMVUNePhPj7p1gra-wsuS7ptIIb302e-62ysqcF9lLxABhmid6oTECxXrsrxPYtA5S3Mi8L2XQ/s640/DSC_0685.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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That handsome monster of mine, and his sister.<br />
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Yup, that's right; my little girl, Tessa Louise. <br />
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Long story short: my life has changed a lot in the past year and a half. After dealing with fertility issues, we were finally blessed with our little girl born at 34 weeks on March 26, 2015. She spent two weeks in the NICU and came home on April 10, 2015.<br />
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In the months during her pregnancy, JEGs and I decided that once she was born I would leave my full time job as a camera operator for a news helicopter and focus on my real estate career. I still work at the helicopter here and there if a full time employee wants to take a day off. I also picked up a part time gig as an event coordinator for a local distillery. <br />
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So here I am, a 34 year-old, work-from-home mom of two. A far cry from the <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2009/05/and-so-it-begins.html">27 year-old girl who started this blog.</a> <br />
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Why am I back? I missed blogging. I missed having that creative outlet. But also I realized that almost every moment of Hunter's first year was documented on this blog. I love being able to look back at his monthly posts and remember what he was like, and how I was feeling. Tessa is about to turn 9 months old, and this has been the absolute fastest year of my life. I am afraid that if I don't document it, I won't remember anything. So mostly, I am doing this for Tessa.<br />
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No promises on how often I will post, mostly when the mood strikes me-- or when time allows me. Which, let's be honest, is more likely.<br />
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Always and Forever,<br />
ME</div>
LizzieBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14402721970584240692noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723766935394103339.post-9426564601459052052014-04-01T16:37:00.000-04:002014-04-01T16:37:05.212-04:00Identity Crisis. You guys, I am having a serious identity crisis. <br />
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As you can tell, the crickets and tumble weeds have taken over Lizzie in Progress. Some of it has come from general life stuff taking up my time, but a lot of it is coming from I have no idea what I want this blog to be anymore. <br />
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I read <a href="http://www.ramblingrenovators.ca/2014/01/weekend-brunch-epic-ode-to-blogging.html">this fantastic post </a>from Rambling Renovators that basically talks about the shift in the blog world in the past year or so. When I started blogging in 2009, it was all about commenting on other blogs and creating friendships through following/followers. Now its all about Pins, Tweets and Instagram. A lot of my favorite bloggers have turned their blog into a business, and while I think that is fantastic for them, I find myself weary of reading nearly every post is sponsored by so-and-so. Give aways have become work too: it used to be a comment on the post. Now I have to follow this person on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest , Twitter along with the eight other blogs they've joined up with. Truth gun to my head, I just don't have that kind of time! But I see these blogs and I start to feel like I can't compete with their amazing renovations or perfectly planned parties. In the back of my mind, I start to think... why bother? I'm never going to be a powerhouse on Pinterest. I'll never have 15K followers on Instagram. If no one is commenting, then is anyone out there?<br />
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So consider this my mission statement: I am never going to make money from this blog. I realize that. This is basically my personal diary of what is going on in my life. If I don't get any blog traffic, that's fine- I enjoy looking back in my archives and remembering what I was thinking at a certain point in my life. That's why I started this. <br />
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As far as topics go, I am going to keep the same variety it's always been: sometimes JEGs and I will renovate a room. Sometimes Hunter will say something cute and I need to share it with the world (it happens a lot, let's be honest). If a friend has a beautiful wedding, I want to share it with everyone. I will probably break out the glue gun and get all crafty up in this bish. Sometimes I just want to talk about this amazing pair of shoes I found at Target. I am a suburban mom who loves pretty things, and I don't want to be pigeon holed into one specific topic. <br />
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My plan is to revamp this blog. Lizzie has progressed as far as she's going to go, and I am coming back as Amy. I am going to give the whole blog a face lift, and I am going to really try to not succumb to the pressure of Pinterest and just do what I love- write about the shit that's going on in my little corner of the world.<br />
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I'll see you on the flip side.<br />
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Always & Forever,<br />
ME.LizzieBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14402721970584240692noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723766935394103339.post-27028275371595185452013-12-31T11:39:00.000-05:002013-12-31T11:39:03.201-05:002013 in Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnBHrl7ydMgbRfrbaSA_427cZHM5UVmvhKGQEaKsbmZekNoman90Ulbax1aPOX-CHx8Bm5J1AGV0Q_I1hrQfw0IXkbr_toKF8oJfSQRhxdQbBs_0ZD7cu-GLWeK-5b4trcvhyachmEfg/s1600/January.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="87" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnBHrl7ydMgbRfrbaSA_427cZHM5UVmvhKGQEaKsbmZekNoman90Ulbax1aPOX-CHx8Bm5J1AGV0Q_I1hrQfw0IXkbr_toKF8oJfSQRhxdQbBs_0ZD7cu-GLWeK-5b4trcvhyachmEfg/s200/January.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I celebrated the New Year with some close friends in Cougarville, aka <a href="http://www.michaelscafebensalem.com/">Michael's Cafe in Bensalem</a>. Never in my life did I have to worry about my husband being hit on by someone my mother's age. Ew. But we had a blast, got <strike>way too drunk</strike> a little tipsy and said hello to 2013.<br />
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<img height="480" src="https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/307177_4009507356161_1351768028_n.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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Our little community grew by 4 pounds 10 oz when our neighbor and dear friends Jenny and Greg welcomed their son, Townes Edward into the world. Six months later, Hunter would begin a rivalry that would quickly dissolve.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzm01veIxEUGBJBRV7dt33NTpZMSKvoPfKptMh0LKAELoZVAh7kBGxcj90KlbFKOI9teshANowy2eoiFX9sXPTOz0WeLIEyO1o_uAP5oe-TgKipEOLoXaVMRU8_lQodk4CEZm9sMJCU5U/s1600/IMG_0971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzm01veIxEUGBJBRV7dt33NTpZMSKvoPfKptMh0LKAELoZVAh7kBGxcj90KlbFKOI9teshANowy2eoiFX9sXPTOz0WeLIEyO1o_uAP5oe-TgKipEOLoXaVMRU8_lQodk4CEZm9sMJCU5U/s640/IMG_0971.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87civ_RHLii_QbQyzPiNCswBb4N42ThN5RusB1ImFDV9x3c71_IS6OX5dPr5-gOtfHxpFdE8pufSu1zUpXHoKyOIhBiAURUmX4eYduDbiQd62gQa7ysUgH1h0D2Nlt8_Fsx5ARxaQKT8/s1600/February.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="87" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87civ_RHLii_QbQyzPiNCswBb4N42ThN5RusB1ImFDV9x3c71_IS6OX5dPr5-gOtfHxpFdE8pufSu1zUpXHoKyOIhBiAURUmX4eYduDbiQd62gQa7ysUgH1h0D2Nlt8_Fsx5ARxaQKT8/s200/February.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Hunter celebrated his second Valentine's Day with his sweetheart, Jenna, and I blogged about my <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2013/02/valentines-day-toddler-style.html">Toddler Friendly Valentine's Day Snacks</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzk3-LbWPh8pVEDb9g5qW21rozpOya1r4HSmqpN-rcsYlHHpdXWaefLYe1qabGBNbh_nM1HcSvUftYAbQntzQ4-Lvt3uFKykVZAMDT0Zi5YEpdq6Os29Xc-PU2tIl9pG9lkfo87jkUep4/s1600/64540_697440971095_1997551333_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzk3-LbWPh8pVEDb9g5qW21rozpOya1r4HSmqpN-rcsYlHHpdXWaefLYe1qabGBNbh_nM1HcSvUftYAbQntzQ4-Lvt3uFKykVZAMDT0Zi5YEpdq6Os29Xc-PU2tIl9pG9lkfo87jkUep4/s640/64540_697440971095_1997551333_n.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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I was on the ball with the blog in February and blogged about <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2013/02/faceless.html">giving up make up for Len</a>t, our <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2013/02/vintage-dresser-turned-island-style.html">dresser turned buffe</a>t and did a<a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2013/02/das-hovas-review.html"> review of our beloved HOVAS</a> (still the most popular keyword for traffic)</div>
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At <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2013/03/hunter-17-months.html">17 months</a>, Hunter became a full-fledge, climbing, ornery toddler.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFooMCQ7ggXYtvcRZH4YgOBpXbTGX8M8usv0bJYRMb23nqUxq1EBLn22zVQ9iBmIFO23KAtvUmEKrdAkvBunMEUDWhgRgDJ9mdmYGY-NfQbFicGToA6mteWwne87F4K-3JSjIr2pdS1NM/s1600/69236_10151375480762347_1100888750_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFooMCQ7ggXYtvcRZH4YgOBpXbTGX8M8usv0bJYRMb23nqUxq1EBLn22zVQ9iBmIFO23KAtvUmEKrdAkvBunMEUDWhgRgDJ9mdmYGY-NfQbFicGToA6mteWwne87F4K-3JSjIr2pdS1NM/s640/69236_10151375480762347_1100888750_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Cmr7FJ0UQc8yUm7jGMdg2Q1ZJTyVFXjCrlYy92akdhaRvqeue3IO4NGCpM-nNU-Y18WirnAL0iFkvq4ryjZLieXx_9aMzCJLw15cwGggUL6gneADP6ujIFHN1mhsNAuOT04COdn2dFY/s1600/DSC_0740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Cmr7FJ0UQc8yUm7jGMdg2Q1ZJTyVFXjCrlYy92akdhaRvqeue3IO4NGCpM-nNU-Y18WirnAL0iFkvq4ryjZLieXx_9aMzCJLw15cwGggUL6gneADP6ujIFHN1mhsNAuOT04COdn2dFY/s640/DSC_0740.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnwit_0O9f50Koens5I4pdRHzdAjeQ0OBt6cPlZjNS296kml3GxoGI0o4vZUSy3Uk7SyTSaWOJnA14DB2CY0pTQa12trhaRfYFCRIBaI3FP3UQF8gzw1keAssp6k_t6xUZRUIpJHL6fE/s1600/March.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="87" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnwit_0O9f50Koens5I4pdRHzdAjeQ0OBt6cPlZjNS296kml3GxoGI0o4vZUSy3Uk7SyTSaWOJnA14DB2CY0pTQa12trhaRfYFCRIBaI3FP3UQF8gzw1keAssp6k_t6xUZRUIpJHL6fE/s200/March.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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After snagging a rug off Craigslist, I officially declared the<a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2013/03/stick-fork-in-this.html"> nursery DONE</a></div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpyBhkvJPm_3cC1Uuidk-FhWS0crcGu5rBfvtR5JFdgLdWYANU9uJW_9rtE-U25tPigExrbc5OyNbOV5VckzEeus6SLUVz9VbKsTNvZwIoZprG9wz-hX4JygyvmKhPqdpDLvImucTPls/s640/DSC_0715-001.JPG" style="text-align: center;" /><br />
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JEGs was able to sell his 2001 Jetta and purchased a much more reliable 2005 Subaru Legacy<br />
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<img height="360" src="https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/305917_10151494290937347_1523213563_n.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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and in the same weekend, Hunter got himself a new set of wheels, too.<br />
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We quietly celebrated Easter with Hunter's first egg hunt around the house (he kind of understood the concept), but the highlight of the weekend is when he got to visit Mommy at work and see all the planes and helicopters.<br />
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and in an epic showdown, we invited some neighborhood friends over for a Pizza-Off to determine the best pizza place in the area. I still say Dante's won.<br />
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March was also a rough month because my Uncle committed suicide in a very public manner on St. Patrick's Day. It left me with a lot of unresolved anger towards him, but made me appreciate my family as we gathered around to support my mother and help settle his estate.<br />
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Our Bubbers turned 18 months old and I couldn't believe that he was no longer my baby, he was a little boy now.</div>
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...especially when our pediatrician gave the ok to make his car seat forward facing. I died a little inside that day.</div>
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We realized around the beginning of the month that we weren't going on vacation this year, so I started taking random days off to use up my PTO. JEGs and I took a random Monday off together and had, what we called, a "Pre-Baby Saturday"-- basically we did all the things that we would have done on a Saturday before Hunter was born. We dropped him off at daycare, and went back to bed. We slept until 10. We grabbed lunch at a local Mexican joint. I sipped margaritas with my quesadillas. We came home and just leisurely laid around the house and were able to have an actual conversation. The weather was unseasonably warm, and it was awesome.<br />
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I also spent a hilarious night in West Chester, PA to celebrate the bachelorette party of my friend Whitney. The night began with a champagne toast and ended with me bumping into my high school crush in front of a pizza place and asking him to protect me while I ate. Yeah. </div>
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Three weeks later, Whitney<a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2013/08/wedding-crashing-rustic-farm.html"> married her gentleman caller, Max,</a> in the most beautiful wedding I have ever attended.</div>
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We spent Memorial Day weekend with some close friends, where Hunter tried to make some moves on 2-year-old Cora</div>
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Later in the week we c<a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-hosta-standoff.html">leaned up the planting beds</a> in the front yard and planted some hostas and impatiences with the help of my neighbor, Amy.<br />
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With half the year gone, June was a busy month. I shared my plans for the bedroom and continued my <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2013/06/birthday-traditions.html">birthday tradition</a> of painting a room to celebrate my 32nd year. <br />
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Our little monster turned <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2013/06/hunter-20-months.html">20 months old</a>, and was proving to be all boy<br />
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A memorial service was held in my uncle's honor and it helped me come to terms with my feelings. Family I haven't seen in years came in to share moments of his life, and help spread his ashes. My cousin Tara (Hunter's godmother) and her boyfriend came to stay with us, and we finally got a picture of the two.<br />
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I also checked out this awesome place called <a href="http://www.paintingwithatwist.com/skippack/">Painting With a Twist</a> in Skippack, PA. They set you up with a canvas to paint, and you can bring your own beverages and snacks to nosh on while you release your inner Monet! So much fun, and I want to go back again!</div>
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I was so excited to host my first <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2013/08/first-annual-falconhead-independence.html">Fourth of July BBQ this</a> year!</div>
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JEGs and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary by spending the weekend in Lancaster, PA to attend the wedding of our very dear friends, Mike and Kaitlin. Actually, not only did we attend, but JEGs was the best man! It was such a sweet, home-spun affair, and I swear, one of these days I am going to blog about the whole thing.</div>
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Hunter turned 21 months and reminded us that we are still <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2013/07/rookies.html"> rookies</a> at this whole parenting thing. </div>
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After the craze that was May/June/July, we kind of kicked back and just enjoyed August.<br />
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We checked out a local Musikfest, and Hunter experienced his first bus ride. He talked about it for DAYS.<br />
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This month I got a double dose of Shannanigans when we were invited to <a href="http://www.shannanigansblog.com/2013/09/bottle-pop-parties-gabes-pierthe-full.html">Gabe's birthday party,</a> and then a week later,<a href="http://newlywoodwards.com/"> Kim from NewlyWoodwards</a> came into to town! It was so exciting to finally meet Kim after years of <strike>stalking her life </strike>reading her blog.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIqtFCwFQf7gL60gZqwgDc9a_lIuS3mHolTbtl6VLanivgIiezFtVp6KsequFnILviafzElz9JvocBemC2ij6wzun-aWvqi-dnlQzAWnsOoOjdTQmK3piNOSUVgWmxpqGDRVOXx3eFc_j/s640/kim+LB+and+shannon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a horrendous picture of me.. but these things happen after copious amounts of wine</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WAaYqzMccxpaA62NFIIe3AM-5q7KY-zwt6pkzaiNXRJGfZka1X8sYhRAyoDKMa3I6noqTU8npPs2xb_pGi6NGpxS56tkDAZTUkiZV69yisBadqi8JOnvRvcTyqIfxMQPUlq-rop9p3g/s1600/September.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="87" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WAaYqzMccxpaA62NFIIe3AM-5q7KY-zwt6pkzaiNXRJGfZka1X8sYhRAyoDKMa3I6noqTU8npPs2xb_pGi6NGpxS56tkDAZTUkiZV69yisBadqi8JOnvRvcTyqIfxMQPUlq-rop9p3g/s200/September.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
We started the month out with a perfect trip to Margate for Labor Day weekend. Hunter behaved so well, we spend some quality family time together and it was just fantastic. Best weekend ever. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oafXk_xu4pJsWhshrM68m428GRN0mi3zTHKNC8CopCR72jBXYST2hciFJvJ0mB9MF3GziQ8-YZtBsrARYPc8CDWw7i5no4-rZgcE6FGo7TeH6XlUTA8qUeSl3KaaWLzrhuLtBpoxSyI/s1600/Margate+2+Closer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oafXk_xu4pJsWhshrM68m428GRN0mi3zTHKNC8CopCR72jBXYST2hciFJvJ0mB9MF3GziQ8-YZtBsrARYPc8CDWw7i5no4-rZgcE6FGo7TeH6XlUTA8qUeSl3KaaWLzrhuLtBpoxSyI/s640/Margate+2+Closer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We welcomed another member of the <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2013/09/one-room-many-functions.html">IKEA sofa family </a>into our home as we made the guest room/play room a little more useful.</div>
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<img height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURKg1yY4WJlfNj6QRD4yp2iV-BkqRAZgAmATENeAbQwQYH8JxNUfTC5d8P2AAB1re1I0AsKXys1LZNeW_Uc7nzYDv_0a-lx2mS0f3_ZHiPq0MYGe8vMRJBV0cbR2cR9xDZM1xuEirRsg/s640/DSC_0891.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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JEGs and I also discovered Smallville, and promptly became obsessed. We spent many night with a glass of wine and Tom Welling. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRXX1gYdlhpEpPxraHJTYAV0QlZCVS9ypNf4CXzrWeFGMLMPRann2k23HS22RHgl9yhXhs3NgIgJ8sZOcwddb6U9I0_-JUgM2nINpYwWFQwJcpCAlOqvnD9y0v9ZWMlC_fRXkwdar05I/s1600/October.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="87" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRXX1gYdlhpEpPxraHJTYAV0QlZCVS9ypNf4CXzrWeFGMLMPRann2k23HS22RHgl9yhXhs3NgIgJ8sZOcwddb6U9I0_-JUgM2nINpYwWFQwJcpCAlOqvnD9y0v9ZWMlC_fRXkwdar05I/s200/October.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Hunter turned two. years. old. *sigh*<br />
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<img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuJMUhusW6mOQzsQb-c9DSpVG-dW03l-vZOBXNf7hPoX95H39dkXWvXL6iUm5QZew1TERsZsFtifAOWT5iC40wQGbNY7g8lxj4nmiuKEYrgXWORLA8rKSyBRyoQUdAh5g1lobHzImzX4/s640/24months.jpg" width="458" /><br />
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For the special occasion, we threw a <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2013/10/get-your-kicks-on-route-66.html">Cars themed </a>party for him, complete with outdoor race track and cardboard cars!<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKt4uyr1T3NP4rH7WpwSYo05khMD4Hjd07fi_6xktqQW_M1tVhwKyvZDOmsRtkYz_wzS56KKeeHCQDZ62a2a8yE87R9n4qBhLmTE-GTRuDkN53dL36V0FYIjJVpJ9EPMyYpNx_YAuyPM/s640/DSC_0989.JPG" /><br />
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Hunter and JEGs share a birthday month, and it has become an unoffical tradition to go pumpkin picking on Justin's birthday. This year we checked out our local farm market and Hunter picked out his own pumpkin.<br />
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Hunter's Clark Kent costume was a huge hit on Halloween<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpdXxx6gqjzqpQJlKHa0Uc8utgh62syA07Fm3s8FhpU4BeBI-yXaxO_biHn9a_OqfkON4FftcsSPm4V_d8onDFBbilAwYKK8OSgWZQt1QfULqTQcEMwxeUf6GWnVbRyFNLSAulPw0-K0/s1600/November.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="87" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpdXxx6gqjzqpQJlKHa0Uc8utgh62syA07Fm3s8FhpU4BeBI-yXaxO_biHn9a_OqfkON4FftcsSPm4V_d8onDFBbilAwYKK8OSgWZQt1QfULqTQcEMwxeUf6GWnVbRyFNLSAulPw0-K0/s200/November.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"> I started the Couch to 5K program in September, and to keep myself motivated I signed up for a local 5K the first week of November. My friend Jenny and I ran together and we did much better than I anticipated! We finished with a time of 38:34! </span></div>
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The middle of the month I landed in the hospital with kidney stones two days before I was hosting out of town guests and helping to decorate for a baby shower. I finished up last minute crafts in my hospital bed, and the day of the shower I popped two Percocets to get the job done!</div>
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<img height="640" src="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1395110_762317652705_752039840_n.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the guest of honor, Cassie, is to my right</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bVAmGqb-bWjVMj0era8RVVXkvFkUsfIp6f2ysnMpS5tFVTdWjFui4dB2C4qSB7ihtXzZzcA1a1v5Pyyxb5ysCFNuf8q2wcxGeJH1InBtaB00P8b2qRXJOkcNuWeXn_rcc0iJXJ2OT8A/s1600/DSC_1052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bVAmGqb-bWjVMj0era8RVVXkvFkUsfIp6f2ysnMpS5tFVTdWjFui4dB2C4qSB7ihtXzZzcA1a1v5Pyyxb5ysCFNuf8q2wcxGeJH1InBtaB00P8b2qRXJOkcNuWeXn_rcc0iJXJ2OT8A/s640/DSC_1052.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hunter spends some quality time with our house guest, McKayla.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQkg3mkhXQtQ7WwX_dXgvYHHxWl-i_HwbEkDDnGmtnWZ76EAeNGXpCkRoYlfRbiMl_9ftRwPTmkCq_UhRl99HVCSRKMtJM7yrUq8uFa_UIT5vnbbHhJA_L6NQruQfZO2eDiXcncHWyT8/s1600/December.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="87" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQkg3mkhXQtQ7WwX_dXgvYHHxWl-i_HwbEkDDnGmtnWZ76EAeNGXpCkRoYlfRbiMl_9ftRwPTmkCq_UhRl99HVCSRKMtJM7yrUq8uFa_UIT5vnbbHhJA_L6NQruQfZO2eDiXcncHWyT8/s200/December.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The first week of December, we traveled to Pittsburgh to celebrate the birthday of McKayla, our friends Amy and Tim's daughter. They hosted a Winter ONEderland party with an enchanting candy buffet</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMA2UyJY5uJPyZIqnAhkqG9ZS1HKGyFd58upXDokaqqLJwbI-d2H-wmTP3f7Nmr8R-04D2ZLf4Jwn1UJvf-HG-vQ5tlpy0FgVVSz-zhaQ0TLLiNRw-mZM8o55tMx7e_qeVA1IWUuPRhlM/s1600/IMG_3575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMA2UyJY5uJPyZIqnAhkqG9ZS1HKGyFd58upXDokaqqLJwbI-d2H-wmTP3f7Nmr8R-04D2ZLf4Jwn1UJvf-HG-vQ5tlpy0FgVVSz-zhaQ0TLLiNRw-mZM8o55tMx7e_qeVA1IWUuPRhlM/s640/IMG_3575.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioB7Tm__-EufphSfYAhIvAOD9J40V1HFMUn4TxShJb9_tVTn6IgmMBkqAr0dnM8mNwiZ2emlVFzz6ZQ1dNkrpyhTUcW4x3SaM9zgpNhHRXif4N91ZNRXcFuqIeuYTLBJ5MCfOb533vpCs/s1600/IMG_3579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioB7Tm__-EufphSfYAhIvAOD9J40V1HFMUn4TxShJb9_tVTn6IgmMBkqAr0dnM8mNwiZ2emlVFzz6ZQ1dNkrpyhTUcW4x3SaM9zgpNhHRXif4N91ZNRXcFuqIeuYTLBJ5MCfOb533vpCs/s640/IMG_3579.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hunter and JEGs with the birthday girl and her proud papa</td></tr>
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After the party was over, we popped over to my cousin Tara's apartment to spend the night. We had planned to stay until after lunch, but the weather forecast was calling for a little snow, but it quickly turned into a fair amount of accumulation. As we started out it looked like this<br />
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and by the time we were 30 miles from our exit, it looked like this.<br />
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Eight hours later, we got home. We were all sick of being around each other. <br />
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The weekend before Christmas we hosted a small holiday party for our neighborhood. We ate munchies, sipped on champagne punch and played the most hilarious game <a href="http://www.quelf.com/">Quelf</a>.<br />
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The week before Christmas we got to see my cousin Tara again as she came to stay with us. We spend Christmas Eve with my family and Christmas morning my in laws came to our house with gifts and brunch bread. Hunter was excited to receive a circus tent, helicopter and tugboat from Santa, and JEGs spoiled me with a rose gold watch and tickets to see Phantom of the Opera in April. BOO YA!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECMyS08CHuzPMywH12N_nLMQCLh2Ujf4hrztGnOAKtn8dgmUDcQlgbLc-w8Sy_aqpghoGCCXQFchJFQVRbWz0EFvd446dQwXpsabJ7fNccwBsjr0u8GZVIKRfCAgsGi1Uw4g6c13ne98/s1600/DSC_0228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECMyS08CHuzPMywH12N_nLMQCLh2Ujf4hrztGnOAKtn8dgmUDcQlgbLc-w8Sy_aqpghoGCCXQFchJFQVRbWz0EFvd446dQwXpsabJ7fNccwBsjr0u8GZVIKRfCAgsGi1Uw4g6c13ne98/s640/DSC_0228.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">if you need him, he'll be in his fortress</td></tr>
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Of course, I can't do a full recap without mentioning that the Monday before Christmas I rear ended someone.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3uUZDYyjN7Xah9ayPOeocKEb5tNJBciw2KZlx3kWyo5uJAlFVw4euGpK-PiDcusgNlwjzIoVD5opo3Z6G_PRf28XTvDDY9j8cWI9Oln-0vRnv1is3KxHkNCFTfsB3By7zhUDBiw01VI/s1600/Crash.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3uUZDYyjN7Xah9ayPOeocKEb5tNJBciw2KZlx3kWyo5uJAlFVw4euGpK-PiDcusgNlwjzIoVD5opo3Z6G_PRf28XTvDDY9j8cWI9Oln-0vRnv1is3KxHkNCFTfsB3By7zhUDBiw01VI/s640/Crash.JPG" width="638" /></a></div>
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It was raining, and the guy in front of me stopped abruptly to avoid going through a just-turned yellow light. I slammed on my brakes, but it was raining and there was not much I could do; I slid into the back of him. Now my precious Sasha is sitting in our driveway, waiting for the weather to warm up just enough for JEGs to try to fix her. <br />
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There is our year in a nutshell. There have been some highs and lows, and I am ready for this year to come to a close. Tonight we are just hanging in the house (I have to be at work at 5:30a tomorrow) but I am really looking forward to 2014-- I've got some goals in mind that I am really hoping to achieve. Basically...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="bring on 2014" height="428" src="http://1c6162ac207f6525cfd8-84665c880233094a565668f32cb79f8e.r10.cf2.rackcdn.com/2013/12/bring-on-2014.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/">source</a></td></tr>
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Wishing you all the happiest and safest of New Years!<br />
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Always & Forever,<br />
ME<br />
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LizzieBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14402721970584240692noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723766935394103339.post-30559552584509120252013-12-24T13:19:00.001-05:002013-12-24T13:19:28.613-05:00Falconhead Holiday House Tour 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i> Disclaimer: this is the first time I am shooting in manual. If the pictures suck.. well, deal with it. I'm still learning..</i></div>
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IT'S CHRISTMAS YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!!!</div>
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Ermergherd I love Christmas so much. This year I am so excited to share the holiday with Hunter. The Saturday after Thanksgiving, we put the tree up during his nap. When he came downstairs afterwards, he started saying "Oo! Itsa Christmas tree!! It has yights (lights) on it!" Every day he gets excited to "help" Mommy plug in the lights. </div>
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This year, we were able to trust Hunter to not bring the Christmas tree crashing to the ground and set it up in the living room again (last year it was tucked away in the kitchen). The living room is a lighted ball of festivity</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bB6IIPyIzD9V4zEHyY-BTN0S5oqsIAmv3wm9mRN6cGuDww0BNn9lxyW3hgTPtpB5HMFry8wiJDDPmK3E1bPqqDfgfwxuXsUsZjszAIu0sEhYrHr3-a8_hAitd9ZLu1QO1eTerRrJu9I/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bB6IIPyIzD9V4zEHyY-BTN0S5oqsIAmv3wm9mRN6cGuDww0BNn9lxyW3hgTPtpB5HMFry8wiJDDPmK3E1bPqqDfgfwxuXsUsZjszAIu0sEhYrHr3-a8_hAitd9ZLu1QO1eTerRrJu9I/s640/DSC_0040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Can we be real for a second? I am damn proud of this mantle. Around Thanksgiving I started getting a vision in mind and this is exactly what I saw. I love it so much. </div>
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I really wanted a simple, classic look with lots of sparkle. I broke out my chunky candle sticks from Party Lite (no longer available). And of course added my 'Ark of the Covenant' deer that JEGs loves so much (heavy sarcasm).<br />
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In years past I've always gone very symmetrical, but this year I decided to add these <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50132569/">BLOMSTER</a> candle sticks from IKEA. I. LOVE. THEM. $14.99, y'all. You can't beat that. I am pretty sure these will never be put away.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAir7jnIL3SQgaXVC1HKAMraCRlFiqJFKdCjTmAk_mgFI5i8Hk-wvZZztu5Gs96fWnuL32skCFLFVhcCRA_zbEZe-vHA7bnkPJiKuLMzhE5LdN3Rw98nR6pEjYP_nWTz-624G5USlRG4E/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAir7jnIL3SQgaXVC1HKAMraCRlFiqJFKdCjTmAk_mgFI5i8Hk-wvZZztu5Gs96fWnuL32skCFLFVhcCRA_zbEZe-vHA7bnkPJiKuLMzhE5LdN3Rw98nR6pEjYP_nWTz-624G5USlRG4E/s640/DSC_0046.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Our stockings are hung with care, each with a jeweled initial. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hAHR9GgHihkbO4A03kv-LeFY63MHeLfDh9kFWnJ5VqOpVb-nLmUV_eabEDD56P4sAoQy4Wtv2bzI818NwzQiHfh_ms8aRUS9PCf5TvqLFX3lKcC0z1Uht0PBzpbyUgtmbbP67dZmqgc/s1600/DSC_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hAHR9GgHihkbO4A03kv-LeFY63MHeLfDh9kFWnJ5VqOpVb-nLmUV_eabEDD56P4sAoQy4Wtv2bzI818NwzQiHfh_ms8aRUS9PCf5TvqLFX3lKcC0z1Uht0PBzpbyUgtmbbP67dZmqgc/s640/DSC_0048.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love these stockings so much. I might hit up the December 26th sale and grab one more. You know, just in case...<br />
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Last year, I couldn't find an H for Hunter's stocking, so I had this dinky pin. I was so excited when Target brought these back this year, I snagged it-- *gasp*-- at full price. I know. I must have really wanted it. <br />
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The garland was on the steps last year, but this year I wrapped it with some gold and silver ribbon from Michael's. <br />
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I would like to remind the class that the JOY stocking holders were free on Freecycle. Winning. </div>
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Even though we moved the tree back into the living room, we still decorated with Hunter-proof ornaments. We don't trust him <i>that</i> much. Last year I invaded the Target after-Christmas clearance and bought all the felt and wood ornaments I could get my hands on. </div>
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I still have a couple that have sentimental value. This is something I inherited from my mom. It was always a favorite of mine growing up (probably because it's gold and covered in glitter).<br />
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I also added DIY ornaments from the past like our <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2009/12/diy-christmas-ornaments.html">glittered sea shells</a> and <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2010/12/dare-to-diy-week-4.html">this guy from 2010</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknCRVu-H5005upR4FCQOGZ8QZmUHNg0grNAnHYRSSRHBFcb_MP3tfGBDVk3rAZV7eC0VLzcqvCsR_DSqJxFVkxRdMAN7crkVOeGDOyBeryy92u8bdmVQ_rLf708YBwrxOzhrx-PRXpBM/s1600/DSC_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknCRVu-H5005upR4FCQOGZ8QZmUHNg0grNAnHYRSSRHBFcb_MP3tfGBDVk3rAZV7eC0VLzcqvCsR_DSqJxFVkxRdMAN7crkVOeGDOyBeryy92u8bdmVQ_rLf708YBwrxOzhrx-PRXpBM/s640/DSC_0068.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We are trying to enforce the "one finger" rule with Hunter. It kind of works...<br />
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The banister got it's usual swag of garland and lights.<br />
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Since my child is 100 ft tall and can reach all points of the kitchen table, I needed a durable centerpiece. I set my <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2012/11/dare-to-diy-dare-to-entertain.html">jute trees</a> on a gold charger with some pine cones. Rustic at it's finest. </div>
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The buffet got a make-under this year. We hosted a holiday party this year, and I used that area for serving beverages. I didn't want to have to deconstruct some elaborate set up for one night, so I went simple. with a linen table runner, two faux trees in burlap, my other two candlesticks, and wreath in the windows. <br />
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I also put our nativity set up front and center.<br />
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I had this pine cone garland from last year leftover, so I quickly sat it on the window sill. <br />
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Are you guys ready for some night time shots? Again, first time in manual mode, so bare with me..<br />
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Living room<br />
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Kitchen<br />
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extreme nativity... whooooaaaa</div>
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Just the tree (I am having a devil of a time getting that start to stand up straight)...</div>
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Wishing everyone a very happy and healthy holiday!<br />
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<i>Want to take a look at previous years? Here is <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2009/12/deck-halls-err-great-room.html">2009</a>, <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2010/12/one-more-holiday-decor-post.html">2010</a>, <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2012/12/falconhead-christmas-2012.html">2011</a>, and <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2012/12/falconhead-christmas-2012.html">2012</a>. </i></div>
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Always & Forever,<br />
MELizzieBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14402721970584240692noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723766935394103339.post-71425802985773193322013-11-25T16:13:00.000-05:002013-11-28T16:14:25.803-05:00The Lazy Mom's Guide to Fall Decor.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0F8y4_Fm2EAuAt-VrxEIEb1EaD_EGo0gSa00cDFWLYGQHC0-iZyhxpGYSSUACDM4ii_iVEW3ska-oJvHs0v54eEso5-5qS8rQpLp_zGUeM7XRck30A5ZLiDph6vuF1Us18c-1r6AGKf0/s1600/DSC_1058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0F8y4_Fm2EAuAt-VrxEIEb1EaD_EGo0gSa00cDFWLYGQHC0-iZyhxpGYSSUACDM4ii_iVEW3ska-oJvHs0v54eEso5-5qS8rQpLp_zGUeM7XRck30A5ZLiDph6vuF1Us18c-1r6AGKf0/s640/DSC_1058.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">There is something about fallen leaves collected on patio furniture that I find slightly magical. </span></i></div>
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I don't get too excited specifically for Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations. Truth be told, I could skip Thanksgiving altogether-- it's not my favorite holiday. Ain't nobody got time for switching stuff up between September 1- December 1, so the name of the game is Longevity. <br />
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We have a new addition on our front porch in the form of a wicker sofa. I snagged this little baby and a neighborhood yard sale a few weeks ago for $35. It's still in great shape and came with a matching coffee table that is currently residing in our basement. It looks so much better than the folding chairs that we bought when we moved in together. They were great when we first got them, but 4 years later, they were looking used and abused. <br />
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I added pillows that I made from a table clothes a couple years ago, along with our <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2010/11/faux-reals-yo.html">monogram pumpkin</a>. To this date, this is probably one of the DIY projects I am most proud of.</div>
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These train lanterns came out of a family friend's basement. I have an unnatural love for them. </div>
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The glass table we've had for years (it came with the folding chairs), and the weather vain was something I picked up at a yard sale for a dollar when we first moved to Norristown.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0whsHTsSVcAuzUXoFlEwfDt2YpAzSmr9eVqjOsmyRmGw8i-OWAuWZaE3hkFu9XIXSwCdtCPuMpfN7uuqxA9a4THvf82AmzCOCZyQ-nZLvrwn-gXU57176yL3gHtmcA7mh6AKBWepxY24/s1600/DSC_1153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0whsHTsSVcAuzUXoFlEwfDt2YpAzSmr9eVqjOsmyRmGw8i-OWAuWZaE3hkFu9XIXSwCdtCPuMpfN7uuqxA9a4THvf82AmzCOCZyQ-nZLvrwn-gXU57176yL3gHtmcA7mh6AKBWepxY24/s640/DSC_1153.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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This wreath is probably one of my favorites. I snagged it at Home Goods in 2011 and I love the simplicity of the twigs, leaves and wheat, but it still has the beauty of the single rose.</div>
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I have a couple small gourdes scattered here and there, but this is the only thing I put thought into in the house is the mantle. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0k0_Kal4_z0jdICKQYkevR5kn9JNZd3ik7J6swgeMUlZk__b4oMiOizJA1teep7S1vA1LtQbxahWBSjS6oaQcxXingyS6eWBJC8pJkZe6Wc_3iL9LsoFLETDbhRErPASTybLliQwtIg/s1600/DSC_1082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0k0_Kal4_z0jdICKQYkevR5kn9JNZd3ik7J6swgeMUlZk__b4oMiOizJA1teep7S1vA1LtQbxahWBSjS6oaQcxXingyS6eWBJC8pJkZe6Wc_3iL9LsoFLETDbhRErPASTybLliQwtIg/s640/DSC_1082.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love this leaf art. JEGs found it in the back yard last spring. We both loved how the only thing left are the veins, making it looks like a skeleton. I matted it with some scrapbook paper and framed it. I am secretly hoping to find more next spring so I could do an entire collage on a wall somewhere.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTJ09jxGOMkYAVDhyphenhyphen-bOA8K_a0PHC4EGhbniVCvnJ20uJJyNMj_Use5SydCidbfrUaKXkih3WFvaBBjTNnEvSle5VkYUOGCvYYZ1nRi8oi13v778h1Zd6h31i0rQKVIKFdT1vtMQmrxM/s1600/DSC_1084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTJ09jxGOMkYAVDhyphenhyphen-bOA8K_a0PHC4EGhbniVCvnJ20uJJyNMj_Use5SydCidbfrUaKXkih3WFvaBBjTNnEvSle5VkYUOGCvYYZ1nRi8oi13v778h1Zd6h31i0rQKVIKFdT1vtMQmrxM/s640/DSC_1084.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh IKEA, how I love your<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70175614/"> ROTERA</a> lanterns. These were actually part of a table centerpiece of a wedding we went to in 2011. I may or may not have snagged four that day.<br />
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The greenery is actually party of a floral arrangement I got on clearance from Michael's and I just pulled it apart, sticking flowers and leaves in here and there. The large faux pumpkins were bought on clearance as well, and I am kicking myself for not getting two of the same size. Or at least more. <br />
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Our mantle wraps around towards our staircase, and it's a decorating conundrum to me. It's very skinny and long, and I never know what to put there. This time I popped a candle in the corner. Boom. Done. </div>
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Simple, to the point... now let's move this season along so I can get one with my Christmas decorations!<br />
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Always & Forever,<br />
ME<br />
<br />LizzieBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14402721970584240692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723766935394103339.post-63213613855649792672013-11-20T13:32:00.000-05:002013-11-20T13:32:14.879-05:00Special Moments on Saturday Morning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In September, Hunter moved into a new classroom and the teachers made a simple request: bring in a family photo.</div>
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You guys, it took me damn near a month to find a recent photo of the three of us. The last one I had was from July 2012. I had to fix this.</div>
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So I called upon my favorite local photographer, <a href="http://www.kellymillerphotos.com/">Kelly Miller</a>, to get some good family photos for us. She did <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-son-takes-mean-picture.html">Hunter's newborn shoot </a>(and by 'newborn, I mean two months old, because that's how long it took me to get around to scheduling it), and I trust her to make us look good. As always, she did not disappoint. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVjwgZ13AbQwy0eMRcq3REfJOdv8fSPR4okmoexzfL91B73QZ6x9EFZh6PyKCpjp9S_OinNrZzkRNfDDsVDT3Y2YfkuIN-C9Y84qttQnpjaV_3q7yM7Fmp8MnIU18aYltq932M5To57s/s1600/Gindin_20131027_007-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVjwgZ13AbQwy0eMRcq3REfJOdv8fSPR4okmoexzfL91B73QZ6x9EFZh6PyKCpjp9S_OinNrZzkRNfDDsVDT3Y2YfkuIN-C9Y84qttQnpjaV_3q7yM7Fmp8MnIU18aYltq932M5To57s/s640/Gindin_20131027_007-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Kelly's really great at capturing the special every day moments, and just followed us around as <strike>Hunter ran around </strike>we explored this great spot she picked out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2PuqRD9gYzVpZb7nPgq1qVGWAoILL9RRSSVHr55hlKP2Sgu9dAcJVJgCGpo0aHnBYoA51-KzoHtdgrz6zR-3GsaKropYepPwZIvf5CKOTMlAgc4rgCXgKSgPvjWsGK8L76cbnaOEWsw/s1600/Gindin_20131027_001-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2PuqRD9gYzVpZb7nPgq1qVGWAoILL9RRSSVHr55hlKP2Sgu9dAcJVJgCGpo0aHnBYoA51-KzoHtdgrz6zR-3GsaKropYepPwZIvf5CKOTMlAgc4rgCXgKSgPvjWsGK8L76cbnaOEWsw/s640/Gindin_20131027_001-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASnFKAWbsYNUa9uwtr5EPa2-LhQJUPA_145WuRWTRLJBQqz2yc-2squaQdlow9YsJ-C5X7HHDQ4gVzQbMqf6leJYu7u3vzG9tpd2s7EpFS731LK-SQg21qTz0PigQBuiJBcfg3eOOrXQ/s1600/Gindin_20131027_010-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASnFKAWbsYNUa9uwtr5EPa2-LhQJUPA_145WuRWTRLJBQqz2yc-2squaQdlow9YsJ-C5X7HHDQ4gVzQbMqf6leJYu7u3vzG9tpd2s7EpFS731LK-SQg21qTz0PigQBuiJBcfg3eOOrXQ/s640/Gindin_20131027_010-X3.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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This is typical play in our house these days</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkN05S_IJnHdZzBW3euis0ysMMK0OWxGAE06V2-OM5e48HUz3WrBaybLjUDbxPxSvUBdtxpdF5qxBhV8HeI2dxGkUBGjdYW_ziI4kLlalR7pDz-SeNqJeFyPGedp8VMHywfneT35lQvE/s1600/Gindin_20131027_016-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkN05S_IJnHdZzBW3euis0ysMMK0OWxGAE06V2-OM5e48HUz3WrBaybLjUDbxPxSvUBdtxpdF5qxBhV8HeI2dxGkUBGjdYW_ziI4kLlalR7pDz-SeNqJeFyPGedp8VMHywfneT35lQvE/s640/Gindin_20131027_016-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Also, I hope you'll notice his beautiful hair blowing in the wind as he runs. I am NEVER CUTTING IT again. Yeah, I am *that* mom, and I don't even care.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ttEN-aLl3JZS2bor37PyF_fT_pmm0I_Gr7zJCJDnn_8byL08d1r93k-PklI_dI3GSDyUmmo8YxdacKXIgkGUuZzdIBb3jm1nRLduD_lVSxCSkIK_AYiASP0Z-AA-bBBCqBAswLozHXE/s1600/Gindin_20131027_017-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ttEN-aLl3JZS2bor37PyF_fT_pmm0I_Gr7zJCJDnn_8byL08d1r93k-PklI_dI3GSDyUmmo8YxdacKXIgkGUuZzdIBb3jm1nRLduD_lVSxCSkIK_AYiASP0Z-AA-bBBCqBAswLozHXE/s640/Gindin_20131027_017-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl15zIUKI2j65D0NDufJnYNvf3Hr4i4h8xopSSG4C0Q4FCBX0Rtv7yHKh-w1QXj9JnAigmykf60SMPZJpX4f4pqybvYJV_ssMaWtaHXw2ee4hkCeP1PXrjv_d3mfdfQl-QzOkkJwLplHc/s1600/Gindin_20131027_033-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl15zIUKI2j65D0NDufJnYNvf3Hr4i4h8xopSSG4C0Q4FCBX0Rtv7yHKh-w1QXj9JnAigmykf60SMPZJpX4f4pqybvYJV_ssMaWtaHXw2ee4hkCeP1PXrjv_d3mfdfQl-QzOkkJwLplHc/s640/Gindin_20131027_033-X3.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLo0GwOpnis8z2pXYucH9D4mrNQGYv1jwTJ0NryFlNuH3icnp-7DeNJMLGT86dg4ucg9M-O3KxVBUW0GjbQZsdIxb_PEvQoLjSFEUUjvTVG_nMHrhd-MMLmFo__6i5GVf6J_UTOIyl9Dw/s1600/Gindin_20131027_037-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLo0GwOpnis8z2pXYucH9D4mrNQGYv1jwTJ0NryFlNuH3icnp-7DeNJMLGT86dg4ucg9M-O3KxVBUW0GjbQZsdIxb_PEvQoLjSFEUUjvTVG_nMHrhd-MMLmFo__6i5GVf6J_UTOIyl9Dw/s640/Gindin_20131027_037-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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..and 30 minutes later, he was all played out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWANoFRCIDjMo60SbVqf5-lAjVpWXhqL_WAl2pj_s2a5lHiZICF651-Yr3LXCN2npVwgrkpnhrBfaMdcgtR7aFR2MJqx4heQO390Btq-AfwfUsIylxkjH7VEfim9Ovw_8tU01L2L6zjGw/s1600/Gindin_20131027_038-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWANoFRCIDjMo60SbVqf5-lAjVpWXhqL_WAl2pj_s2a5lHiZICF651-Yr3LXCN2npVwgrkpnhrBfaMdcgtR7aFR2MJqx4heQO390Btq-AfwfUsIylxkjH7VEfim9Ovw_8tU01L2L6zjGw/s640/Gindin_20131027_038-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Again, so many thanks to<a href="http://www.kellymillerphotos.com/"> Kelly Miller Photography</a>. She is so great to work with-- I cannot say enough good things about her. If you are local to the Philadelphia area, I highly recommend checking her out. I wish wish wish I had hired her for my wedding.<br />
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Always & Forever,<br />
MELizzieBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14402721970584240692noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723766935394103339.post-31232136034736966942013-10-25T13:47:00.000-04:002013-10-25T14:32:29.006-04:00Get Your Kicks on Route 66<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For Hunter's 2nd birthday, I kind of <i>had</i> to do a Cars theme. The kid is mildly obsessed not only with all things motor vehicle, but the Disney movie as well. </div>
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After going all out for his<a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2012/11/it-was-monster-mash.html"> first birthday</a>, I wanted to keep things low key this year. Just immediate family and neighborhood friends, I said. We will keep it small, I said. </div>
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I should know better. 30 adults and 14 kids later, we had ourselves a guest list. </div>
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To keep costs down, I relied heavily on Dusty from All Things G&D and her list of <a href="http://www.allthingsgd.com/2013/07/free-cars-party-printables/">free printables</a>. They were a life saver.</div>
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For food, I kept it pretty simple with chicken fingers, macaroni and cheese (for the kids) and sandwich sliders and pasta salad for the adults. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iDicbDHmVxDcsa58MD-V0-uV-7r79U2XF-_nghyWnhFb6v4lTHhY4buQrjZpHsmj-kp5NGSe010DVHk68_sd46hmO5JHnP9SQxPv22dtlB_erR3BZ7lbpt_r1Ufaqz9TwH2Z3u8jX2w/s1600/DSC_0943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iDicbDHmVxDcsa58MD-V0-uV-7r79U2XF-_nghyWnhFb6v4lTHhY4buQrjZpHsmj-kp5NGSe010DVHk68_sd46hmO5JHnP9SQxPv22dtlB_erR3BZ7lbpt_r1Ufaqz9TwH2Z3u8jX2w/s640/DSC_0943.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrW9-Vb_x3wiy8y0547_ZqYa9OWWTGJ_EKXOzd8wbJWfQol01grT0Md0cyTQO8IVZtJehawoGqeTFxbFxTm0FE0cBeRn7CC91lX89-UPRbjhxCp8z_cv9MLv4OxFZv5BoBXWsIQgsc90/s1600/DSC_0942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrW9-Vb_x3wiy8y0547_ZqYa9OWWTGJ_EKXOzd8wbJWfQol01grT0Md0cyTQO8IVZtJehawoGqeTFxbFxTm0FE0cBeRn7CC91lX89-UPRbjhxCp8z_cv9MLv4OxFZv5BoBXWsIQgsc90/s640/DSC_0942.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx24dJWPmWUOpi7O8JvjPBSn1yc-OFzjmbQQOsD6HclPxWo5KJN2kug3t2Gl3KGNdk383ECOYQAahNlT1iG4d_IboC-oQ7qdNbqFk1d3DURobaLfvQWwGd38FjTa4oXldq51871O9NS_s/s1600/DSC_0948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx24dJWPmWUOpi7O8JvjPBSn1yc-OFzjmbQQOsD6HclPxWo5KJN2kug3t2Gl3KGNdk383ECOYQAahNlT1iG4d_IboC-oQ7qdNbqFk1d3DURobaLfvQWwGd38FjTa4oXldq51871O9NS_s/s640/DSC_0948.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I also added in some Chex Mix as something to nosh on the go.</div>
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I snagged the sandwich sliders from our local grocery store, Giant. It's the same place I got the 6ft hoagie last year, and man am I glad this is the route I went. I thought about pizza, but the boxes take up so much room, and you never know if you have enough plain for everyone. I didn't want to get another 6 ft hoagie because transporting it was a bitch, and so was cutting it into individual sizes. With the sandwich platter I had a nice mix of chicken salad, egg salad, ham & cheese, roast beef & cheese and turkey & cheese on potato rolls. They were a huge hit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98fsMPG_XfW82V6UxbluCaA-Q47YDZBY46m8X7FwFiuRPJuw22u86CWE4K0OBfwIIJ9L7qO7gsy8oVCwgOuUY0HXApjesxwdyizgtZuK2FGFwk2jY_IjweEPIUVHPXE4oTHMz8iOpaJQ/s1600/DSC_0949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98fsMPG_XfW82V6UxbluCaA-Q47YDZBY46m8X7FwFiuRPJuw22u86CWE4K0OBfwIIJ9L7qO7gsy8oVCwgOuUY0HXApjesxwdyizgtZuK2FGFwk2jY_IjweEPIUVHPXE4oTHMz8iOpaJQ/s640/DSC_0949.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Instead of having doing one big cake and having to cut it, I opted for more grab-and-go options of cupcakes (red velvet and strawberry), Twizzlers, and of course Luigis Casa Della tires made of chocolate donuts. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OJKpfsaXdWxpdO_9PMZB9ZbFS6c02YxpLeiZP8JpjOMZyDuRcEFhi1Ndy8BHP0455JaYuHOHx7lnE-maH-zLkqhKhlrGUK7wDAU8apXkvnmnDw92weGfio0DJ__TwZ068-TDereTqwM/s1600/DSC_0945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OJKpfsaXdWxpdO_9PMZB9ZbFS6c02YxpLeiZP8JpjOMZyDuRcEFhi1Ndy8BHP0455JaYuHOHx7lnE-maH-zLkqhKhlrGUK7wDAU8apXkvnmnDw92weGfio0DJ__TwZ068-TDereTqwM/s640/DSC_0945.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The p<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">ièce </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">de résistance was in the back yard. With 14 kids, and only 600 sq ft in our main living area, I wanted to have activites to keep them occupied. I painted a couple boxes to match the characters Lighting McQueen, Chick Hicks and Strip "the King" Weathers. I was all about just letting them run around the back yard willy nilly, but JEGs said "Oh no. They need a race track".</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">So a race track he did build. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the Falconhead 500</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7io7IvLJHyfCoc_lJ0jDF51EIvS39zN_UE5XU18DMHQPKzG4z3vyQkbIfnsxgm8DShRyrvyoaKt6NzALFw-INjupEhy2sgBkoSb7mIhYJfkFxFrSg1Akq2CTMYrdr2K0apwEVxZXk6e0/s1600/DSC_0937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7io7IvLJHyfCoc_lJ0jDF51EIvS39zN_UE5XU18DMHQPKzG4z3vyQkbIfnsxgm8DShRyrvyoaKt6NzALFw-INjupEhy2sgBkoSb7mIhYJfkFxFrSg1Akq2CTMYrdr2K0apwEVxZXk6e0/s640/DSC_0937.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to take the picture from Hunter's room so you could see the whole thing</td></tr>
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He grabbed two cans of spray paint from Lowe's (the kind specifically made for lawns) and outlined the track in white. Since our backyard is still a hot mess of monkey balls and super deep holes, he used orange spray paint as a way of letting the kids know they shouldn't be running in certain areas. I had ordered 100 ft of checkered flag banner that we cut in half and strung across the yard from poles mounted to the fence. Balloons and safety cones from Lowe's marked the Start/Finish line.<br />
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This was such a huge hit for the kids! Not only did they use the boxes, but they took any wheeled vehicle Hunter had for a spin around the track, ran three-legged races and just chased each other around! It was a great way to keep them occupied AND burned off energy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJFjButQhMFXIc2pZUshRNZjUb1_O-GRMbrfCLX8zO8RpiY2hJCE6n9ZXP1yZswoxzxiV-CIfMduMjG-gYq2M4BiB_iTE8cEOtngUVZ6e6Sgo8uDdofOwp66wYKZe6Kp8Yb6PaqIiPWs/s1600/232323232-fp54383-nu=326;-53;---3-WSNRCG=395;;;;44932-nu0mrj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJFjButQhMFXIc2pZUshRNZjUb1_O-GRMbrfCLX8zO8RpiY2hJCE6n9ZXP1yZswoxzxiV-CIfMduMjG-gYq2M4BiB_iTE8cEOtngUVZ6e6Sgo8uDdofOwp66wYKZe6Kp8Yb6PaqIiPWs/s640/232323232-fp54383-nu=326;-53;---3-WSNRCG=395;;;;44932-nu0mrj.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abigail and Wyatt dominate the three-legged race</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifJtBiqzvyHHrq_QmLikmTT43ZqdCG46chG-gC-0k-88H6Ci30aVar24D_wOispY67EtZU1Smsvdzddg-VgB-nOv74hWJlCRgQsbypPZbygVHNLW-vk-YCoAa-yjfTbG1NJ_kx6b3YyQ/s1600/DSC_0976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifJtBiqzvyHHrq_QmLikmTT43ZqdCG46chG-gC-0k-88H6Ci30aVar24D_wOispY67EtZU1Smsvdzddg-VgB-nOv74hWJlCRgQsbypPZbygVHNLW-vk-YCoAa-yjfTbG1NJ_kx6b3YyQ/s640/DSC_0976.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My nieces Skylar and Bridget take Chick and the King for a spin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKt4uyr1T3NP4rH7WpwSYo05khMD4Hjd07fi_6xktqQW_M1tVhwKyvZDOmsRtkYz_wzS56KKeeHCQDZ62a2a8yE87R9n4qBhLmTE-GTRuDkN53dL36V0FYIjJVpJ9EPMyYpNx_YAuyPM/s1600/DSC_0989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKt4uyr1T3NP4rH7WpwSYo05khMD4Hjd07fi_6xktqQW_M1tVhwKyvZDOmsRtkYz_wzS56KKeeHCQDZ62a2a8yE87R9n4qBhLmTE-GTRuDkN53dL36V0FYIjJVpJ9EPMyYpNx_YAuyPM/s640/DSC_0989.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hunter runs around with Lighting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSPdQE92ljEqrhZf4jsCrLdeovQzJQ4UlVOhfg7beY1NkeC-tik0hiXZCdsOj9nrg4fKblPefzMsdukMxAV57iaxDx1bQ2pZO_NAEtzflGC2bpyEL_D65p3XzlIkpvYLIrR-8094jD14/s1600/DSC_0990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSPdQE92ljEqrhZf4jsCrLdeovQzJQ4UlVOhfg7beY1NkeC-tik0hiXZCdsOj9nrg4fKblPefzMsdukMxAV57iaxDx1bQ2pZO_NAEtzflGC2bpyEL_D65p3XzlIkpvYLIrR-8094jD14/s640/DSC_0990.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">..but ultimately balloons win out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6THlANYGUpkUTztjolERKZJAJY63ITQUWWj1ateyuQ2t4xbrMMbShcphjsyJxRjamNRTeYsKQWmV1CtnPS_Y_Yojk7SiGu_rQT0xbnInlbeDXZjKsVFxGXeGpwWF21-pUOx0Xog-F-s/s1600/DSC_0973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6THlANYGUpkUTztjolERKZJAJY63ITQUWWj1ateyuQ2t4xbrMMbShcphjsyJxRjamNRTeYsKQWmV1CtnPS_Y_Yojk7SiGu_rQT0xbnInlbeDXZjKsVFxGXeGpwWF21-pUOx0Xog-F-s/s640/DSC_0973.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gabe of <a href="http://www.shannanigansblog.com/">Shannigans</a> fame even made an appearance </td></tr>
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We sang Happy Birthday and finally let the kids pounce on the chocolate donuts they had been eyeing up all afternoon<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUhFTZvGBbE_H7SwU24Zi_DL6-ZcJnkcSNL2xBYGY8drmVv1A6Q4aB9eLF2STyRRNm4aEJFCXM0w2ENrg4Jp1a0wPsYBGX0MyNFMjxm5SEZhs2cKyUxSjECKTKY8etFyXnzhHipN2spM/s1600/DSC_1002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUhFTZvGBbE_H7SwU24Zi_DL6-ZcJnkcSNL2xBYGY8drmVv1A6Q4aB9eLF2STyRRNm4aEJFCXM0w2ENrg4Jp1a0wPsYBGX0MyNFMjxm5SEZhs2cKyUxSjECKTKY8etFyXnzhHipN2spM/s640/DSC_1002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the 'Winners Circle' I had favor bags for the kids. I glued VIP pit passes to the front of the bags, and inside was a Matchbox car, M&Ms, and Cars stickers.</div>
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I am really happy with out everything turned out. Many thanks to all our friends and family who made it out!<br />
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Always & Forever,<br />
MELizzieBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14402721970584240692noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723766935394103339.post-23561308811812791642013-10-22T08:54:00.000-04:002013-10-22T08:54:20.773-04:00Hunter: 24 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuJMUhusW6mOQzsQb-c9DSpVG-dW03l-vZOBXNf7hPoX95H39dkXWvXL6iUm5QZew1TERsZsFtifAOWT5iC40wQGbNY7g8lxj4nmiuKEYrgXWORLA8rKSyBRyoQUdAh5g1lobHzImzX4/s1600/24months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuJMUhusW6mOQzsQb-c9DSpVG-dW03l-vZOBXNf7hPoX95H39dkXWvXL6iUm5QZew1TERsZsFtifAOWT5iC40wQGbNY7g8lxj4nmiuKEYrgXWORLA8rKSyBRyoQUdAh5g1lobHzImzX4/s640/24months.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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I know, I know, I haven't been great at blogging the monster's monthly photos (or even taking them for that matter), but you guys... my baby boy is two. He's not my baby boy anymore.. he's-- a little boy. </div>
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I had this big realization last week: I am finally enjoying being a mom. Now don't think that I didn't love Hunter with ever fiber of my being, but I for the past 23.5 months, I have been in survival mode. Every single day felt like I was just trying to make it through the day, and if I could without either Hunter or I melting down, it was a victory. I think I am a relatively "good" mom, but I wasn't enjoying it. At all. </div>
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However, the past couple of weeks I've realized that I really like it. I like spending time with Hunter. I like talking with him. I like laughing with him. I like thinking of activities to do with him. I *gasp* want to have another baby (no, this is not a pregnancy announcement). Step aside Stella-- Lizzie got her groove back! Hey girl!</div>
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In the past month, we took an overnight trip to Margate, NJ with our dear friends Max and Whitney. It was the best weekend! Hunter was so well behaved, and we had so much fun playing in the sand and splashing in the waves with Daddy. </div>
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So much fun that he PASSED. OUT. on the walk back from the beach.</div>
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We took a chance and went out to dinner (something we never, ever do with Hunter), and he was great. When he had finished eating, I took him to the front of the restaurant because he was fascinated with the live musicians and their "tars" (guitars). </div>
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<img height="360" src="https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/0/?ui=2&ik=4657759ed8&view=att&th=141dba45a12e463b&attid=0.9&disp=inline&realattid=f_hn1v2dwk8&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P_aSlpmBNAMmHG9ld-PILyV&sadet=1382369611173&sads=qYdrP8LieZbxnbYTeCfMvOPpLME" width="640" /></div>
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He even took a spin on the dance floor with his Momma</div>
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<img height="360" src="https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/0/?ui=2&ik=4657759ed8&view=att&th=141dba45a12e463b&attid=0.3&disp=inline&realattid=f_hn1v2dux2&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P_aSlpmBNAMmHG9ld-PILyV&sadet=1382370741580&sads=ZF0ous4Ff-jL7Tcn5sri_fC-rD4" width="640" /></div>
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On Labor Day we spent some time at the Elmwood Park Zoo to feed the giraffes with my brother, his wife Bryn, their three kids Owen, Skylar and Hayes, and their friends. Hunter got to spend some quality time with his Uncle Tim</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3ttxU9uHAeNoWG_DiCDNtrPFNAUpN_WLjEcl1sRg4PbdbI2nQI8UrHvVEC7eIivDLNMX4qGCiw2qwrGM07AC0V_RmIe1F-me0EnB3u_h-T9wMlbRixvvfTXg6jlb3ndmockLF6zLODc/s1600/IMG_2805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3ttxU9uHAeNoWG_DiCDNtrPFNAUpN_WLjEcl1sRg4PbdbI2nQI8UrHvVEC7eIivDLNMX4qGCiw2qwrGM07AC0V_RmIe1F-me0EnB3u_h-T9wMlbRixvvfTXg6jlb3ndmockLF6zLODc/s640/IMG_2805.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="426" src="https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1229993_10151808629217480_1044453848_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skylar, Aubry, Owen H. Owen M. Hunter</td></tr>
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In other news worthy events of the past month, the Bubs spiked a 104+ fever for the first time. Although he wasn't showing any other sick symptoms, we took him to the ER as a precaution. They stripped him down to his skivvies and kept an eye on him until the fever came down. And watched monster truck videos on Daddy's phone<br />
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Hunter continues to be obsessed with all things cars. The only toys he will play with have four wheels. He also really loves "playing cars" with Daddy-- aka JEGs plays Forza on XBOX and Hunter holds his own remote. Although most of the time is spent as Hunter changing the type of car they are driving.</div>
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We really try to spend time outside while the weather is still nice. Our neighbors gave us their old bike seat for JEGs' bike. Hunter loves to go around the block a couple times, and you can hear him giggling as we go over bumps.<br />
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After many years of saying the only thing that would make me run was if someone was chasing me, I started the Couch to 5K program. It's a great way for me to get some exercise and keep Hunter occupied at the same time. We snagged a jogging stroller from a consignment sale, and we pound the pavement 3-4 days a week together. </div>
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In semi-related news, I hate this jogging stroller with every fiber of my being. Can anyone recommend a good stroller for a newbie runner? I'm not going for speed right now, still running in timed increments. I am thinking I want a swivel wheel because this fixed wheel I have gives me the fits. <br />
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Bubs-<br />
I can't believe it little dude... you are two years old. You have grown up so much in the past year! You have moved from the Young Toddler Room to the Older Toddler room at day care. We miss Miss Tara and Miss Jen a lot, but so far you really like Miss "Inder" (Ginger) and Miss "Affy Daffy" (Stephanie). Your crew at school seems to be Jordan, Jack and Zach-- they always get excited when you walk in. <br />
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Everyone we meet comments on how well you speak. Your verbalization is pretty good-- you will repeat pretty much anything that is asked of you (and a few things that aren't, like Mommy's cussing. Oops), you can put together complete sentences, spell your name, know all your colors, count to 10 and according to your teachers, say your ABC's (I have yet to hear this). You love to listen to music and dance by flapping your arms and running in circles. Your most prized possession is your Mater push toy, he is the first thing you play with when you get home, and you always ask to take him outside. <br />
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You are definitely as stubborn as your mother- if I try to help you with something you'll say "No Mommy. I do myself!". There are days when you are in full-on toddler mode of screaming when things don't go your way, throwing, kicking, hitting and touching things that YOU KNOW you aren't supposed to touch. When we go to scold you, you run and hug our legs and say "hug Mommy/Daddy, hug" which instantly disarms us.<br />
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No matter how good or bad the day has been, we miss you when we are at work, or even when you are in bed. You are the best thing that has ever happened to us, and we wouldn't trade you for the world. <br />
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Yellow, little dude. <br />
Mommy and Daddy.LizzieBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14402721970584240692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723766935394103339.post-90415808207623288122013-10-16T16:15:00.002-04:002013-10-16T16:36:32.437-04:00Mudroom Makeover Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the most pinned images from my website is our mudroom makeover, <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2012/10/spin-spin-sugar.html">when we spent under $100</a> to transform it. It's been over a year, so I figured I would show you the few updates we've made.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJmGpmlYrTQwCXa2HgToR8eIiIJyq8RfYfihNrmLigbTjfkZTHxcTwA6ox4Fidj3rFhksBMiHr9r2SWPL3XGMZ5s-mszEtKfbKFXFbeSCbZjEhKof_KRM-izTAGqKGPLlfCinjQEDBYM/s1600/DSC_0787-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJmGpmlYrTQwCXa2HgToR8eIiIJyq8RfYfihNrmLigbTjfkZTHxcTwA6ox4Fidj3rFhksBMiHr9r2SWPL3XGMZ5s-mszEtKfbKFXFbeSCbZjEhKof_KRM-izTAGqKGPLlfCinjQEDBYM/s640/DSC_0787-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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To begin with, I picked up this <a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/Real-Simple-reg-Iron-Caddy-Board-Holder/1018221497?Keyword=ironing+board+rack">rack</a> to hold the iron and the ironing board and hung the stroller from the bar. With the stroller and board up off the floor, we now have a space to tuck our rug scrubber (aka, my first life of defense against Hunter and a sippy cup).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZt9ZW0CKc-TxD0DjMSOITe7pQwZXyImtLvNn3VBL8Eo4m_NGwLkIuVc8DU4XFzUE7aGzRKIqYWgdnfYScXFM_pSAZiL0-dIQGwKEuzGmDYxhyZfV0s25QJaoUlkXqBIcHGa0dz_TQz7U/s1600/DSC_0797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZt9ZW0CKc-TxD0DjMSOITe7pQwZXyImtLvNn3VBL8Eo4m_NGwLkIuVc8DU4XFzUE7aGzRKIqYWgdnfYScXFM_pSAZiL0-dIQGwKEuzGmDYxhyZfV0s25QJaoUlkXqBIcHGa0dz_TQz7U/s640/DSC_0797.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I also ditched the sideways ballerinas and had some art commissioned from a "local" artist, if you will. </div>
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I pulled out a some frames and made this into a revolving gallery for Hunter's daycare artwork. The larger frame on the left and the smaller frame in the middle are from IKEA's <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70132525/">RIBBA </a>collection, and the frame on the right was a yard sale find that I spray painted white. </div>
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The milk glass compote bowl was another yard sale find that is great for tossing laundry treasures like loose change or earrings (in my case). Since this room leads to the back yard, I keep a bottle of sun block on the shelf to spray down the monster before he heads out. Also, the cherry wood box on the far left are the remains of my beloved <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2009/09/final-resting-place.html">Murphy</a>.</div>
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The "vase" for the plant is an old beer bottle (Lindeman's Framboise.. mmm raspberry...), and the jug by the window (which I have convinced myself looks *just* like those old school<a href="http://younghouselove.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/zgallerieglassvases.jpg"> oversized glass vases from Z Gallerie</a>) is actually a jug of wine leftover from our housewarming party. Sadly, I had nothing to do with the emptying of that wine. It was days after we found out we were pregnant.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVDJCuB3oxY8NZ6wr8C7enNoga40I_Yb6NHkIOZv4KvLIPphshe3FUBrHARfaJDtz3G009jbWG5ditJtIvjcc6CI6CD5yg6h3-ReYfXZ88ogoe-5T2lL6lbuB5Nh7dPs77_1pxR2UgH8/s1600/DSC_0796-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVDJCuB3oxY8NZ6wr8C7enNoga40I_Yb6NHkIOZv4KvLIPphshe3FUBrHARfaJDtz3G009jbWG5ditJtIvjcc6CI6CD5yg6h3-ReYfXZ88ogoe-5T2lL6lbuB5Nh7dPs77_1pxR2UgH8/s640/DSC_0796-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am still on the hunt for a nice yarn rug for the space, but I haven't found anything that's caught my eye. I wouldn't mind replacing the garage-like light fixture as well, but our end game plan for this space is a powder room, so I'll just deal with it for now. </div>
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This room may be tiny, but I love how far it's come since this...</div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhrE1BFjmZeGvE5tgBzwGB8ImYLeSkRsY_cD3zFQHW1fGIeoMJdPV0FkslvRj5OtG6WV-Q3GdFNaaI4x38vGyaFk8TCl5n51wo0dnL4GKafba3vVyzbHKl3hPoSbVOjD6W2fAdnsZ_Zsj/s640/MudroomBefore1.jpg" /></div>
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Always & Forever,</div>
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ME</div>
LizzieBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14402721970584240692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723766935394103339.post-35112036875721770042013-09-09T07:00:00.000-04:002013-09-09T13:13:11.244-04:00One Room, Many Functions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have a new addition to our sofa family! Introducing the HOVAS' little brother, the<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S49843749/"> HAGALUND</a>:<br />
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Side note: every time I say HAGALUND in my head, I am actually thinking Hugga Bunch. Do you guys remember those creepy <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aS4mmeNJgy0">dolls</a> and their <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW_Cv1Dd4f4">movie</a> from the 80s? I totally had the purple one, Giggler or whatever. <br />
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Now that I've potentially given you nightmares for weeks, let's talk about how this little guy came into our family. The second bedroom wears many hats: it's a man cave. it's Hunter's play room. it's a guest room when <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2011/10/be-our-guest.html">my mother or cousin comes to stay with us</a>. it houses all my crafting crap. The long and short of it: we want to spend some time in there. However, we fall into this situation when we are up there:<br />
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Sittin' on the hardwood floor. Not so comfy.<br />
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We went back and forth about what do get in there -sofa, daybed, sofabed, DIY a bench- and we finally decided a sofa bed was the best bet for our situation. Specifically, we wanted something from IKEA because in order for us to get it up our narrow, 90-year-old staircase, it needed to come apart.<br />
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I've been scouring Craigslist for a couple months, and mostly only coming up with futons (which we did not want). Originally, we had our heart set on the KIVIK, but 1. they were hard to come by as a sofa bed and 2. when they did, they were a little out of our price range. One day I stumbled upon a listing for the HAGALUND outside of Center City for $275. JEGs was a little hesitant about it's small size, but I pointed out we didn't need another 93 inch couch-- we weren't going to be sprawled out upstairs. We needed something was comfortable enough for him to strum a guitar or me to perch and sip my coffee while Hunter played. I offered the chick $200 for it and she agreed (over 60% off from the store!!) and we made our way down on a Saturday afternoon. <br />
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So far we really like it- it's 59 inch width is the perfect size for our little nook area. Two of us can comfortably fit on the couch but all three of us is a bit of a squeeze. The cushions are firmer than the HOVAS, but they aren't uncomfortable. We aren't crazy about having another white couch, so we are eyeing up the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60126493/#/50152005">beige cover</a> instead. At only $60, it's not a huge expenditure and I think will save me from having to wash it every other day. <br />
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The bed extends out to the length of a twin bed, and not quite the width of a double bed. The seat cushion unzips to become the mattress of the bed. I'll be honest-- it's not the most comfortable thing in the world, but for a weekend stay, it will do.<br />
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It also sits pretty low to the floor. I might try to beef it up for height and comfort with a couple thick foam egg crates. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvdT0S4sEfPGmJHxIhZz-DO2TKhYRs0uPlEDtff_YBRhTpvBvvK8g0HTFGKQpZC9U6wRQF8-7xXdo-_9Vm7pMS2IPPFNhIWcSOxdO8BZo1TtWBEps_LRCKdLYOvxwQpOzEkb4vLtpucY/s1600/DSC_0902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvdT0S4sEfPGmJHxIhZz-DO2TKhYRs0uPlEDtff_YBRhTpvBvvK8g0HTFGKQpZC9U6wRQF8-7xXdo-_9Vm7pMS2IPPFNhIWcSOxdO8BZo1TtWBEps_LRCKdLYOvxwQpOzEkb4vLtpucY/s640/DSC_0902.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngZskdStaMgPCfZDULDd7PXb_twWKlg8m6Yi9wHt3hHPGNkzn12CRv6ONm_zy7F6s_qOIBAdoxYZy3PJL0jCcIqEGrAZAV_35P9ltg82bRFii86KVHWtttiKSqZjjeNFQxDBufHqGWrc/s1600/DSC_0903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngZskdStaMgPCfZDULDd7PXb_twWKlg8m6Yi9wHt3hHPGNkzn12CRv6ONm_zy7F6s_qOIBAdoxYZy3PJL0jCcIqEGrAZAV_35P9ltg82bRFii86KVHWtttiKSqZjjeNFQxDBufHqGWrc/s640/DSC_0903.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The HAGALUND has storage for linens, but all I could fit was the blanket and pillows. All other items (mattress pad, extra sheets, as well as deflated air mattress) are kept in a wicker laundry basket I purchase months ago from Home Goods. I love this basket because not only is it great for storage, it doubles as a night stand.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwbz4dPz1WVRGDL6rO12R-Q_SCbMmPZkVfhsb3fMXr_43xshEecAfigOYmr48gWraC-H0rJ_s8zG0kZA0V_ilTgVgdoB-vg2UwCW_5E8ZlZawI65-b1LkZwOvJxVUd4vLCSDx5HgxV2k/s1600/DSC_0893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwbz4dPz1WVRGDL6rO12R-Q_SCbMmPZkVfhsb3fMXr_43xshEecAfigOYmr48gWraC-H0rJ_s8zG0kZA0V_ilTgVgdoB-vg2UwCW_5E8ZlZawI65-b1LkZwOvJxVUd4vLCSDx5HgxV2k/s640/DSC_0893.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Confession: the swing arm lamp is a hand-me-down from my parents, and we've had it for as long as I can remember. I was so glad I caught my mom before she threw it out, because it's always been a favorite of mine. The shade that is one there now doesn't fit (it's from the lamp in the nursery) so I will have to replace it. I am, however, keeping the original brass finish. I totally dig it, and I love that brass lamps are so in right now. </div>
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As far as toy storage in the room, we have a small Little Tykes books shelf that keeps all his toys for now. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqF99YIv_xLjM1VT1GEouNIfH4I321q3mUsHqcnbxCsnuSUCQTHdZiJvTdOF-Zai3kq3yBxEU0zQGN-SHj21ALJB3w4jc2sVRB-ABgwDlcmeKX1K17gxkLftwdTohVrQQuUur387qNHyo/s1600/DSC_0895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqF99YIv_xLjM1VT1GEouNIfH4I321q3mUsHqcnbxCsnuSUCQTHdZiJvTdOF-Zai3kq3yBxEU0zQGN-SHj21ALJB3w4jc2sVRB-ABgwDlcmeKX1K17gxkLftwdTohVrQQuUur387qNHyo/s640/DSC_0895.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I know it looks like we are really awful parents and this kid has no toys, but we are in the process of putting away his "baby" toys and bringing out his "big kid" toys.</div>
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Wondering what the other side of the room looks like?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1eTof_Vn4HMg3SjGlc2CyF1zCYGmd0mH5hj0qx5TieQoiOymPDsJ0b-OAw4HgaEKOfzru7meAIzM0D0ayJakJ177cAXgjWltJzI-Rer_IJJi8RboSY3qFUtY2DcR_kGnQkY8ybh-B2s/s1600/DSC_0896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1eTof_Vn4HMg3SjGlc2CyF1zCYGmd0mH5hj0qx5TieQoiOymPDsJ0b-OAw4HgaEKOfzru7meAIzM0D0ayJakJ177cAXgjWltJzI-Rer_IJJi8RboSY3qFUtY2DcR_kGnQkY8ybh-B2s/s640/DSC_0896.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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.. it's kind of a hodge podge right now. We've got our book shelf and TV, and then just crap we need to go through. </div>
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Getting this couch and spending more time in this room has made me want to <strike>get rid of that hideous Buzz Blaster Blue</strike> paint. I'm still holding off, however, because our next big project is going to be turning this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrRNBIpDl2kpRkZqA5Ghu5c3bHplL3CzHSmOgSzOrlDzUTzFh0VP0MAO1yZ9YNwbh5LMUiBo3NYpcWS403m6kIjxUDSpNSRAjylQmsNwCdN7hMLypZIxMkkcWabQeW1ATFe-ojJ_LHAY/s1600/DSC_0815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrRNBIpDl2kpRkZqA5Ghu5c3bHplL3CzHSmOgSzOrlDzUTzFh0VP0MAO1yZ9YNwbh5LMUiBo3NYpcWS403m6kIjxUDSpNSRAjylQmsNwCdN7hMLypZIxMkkcWabQeW1ATFe-ojJ_LHAY/s640/DSC_0815.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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... to this!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uraVKbP2hqSJPzvmUShxECzJSO9csk64lJze4IRw6XpW1bsC0pojTliQDtBIX7dDHrvV56EyQFm5B2clsEd9Q6mjIuoGrtYAEx8s48Y6byMxkA_YidwKdUJy5N3cYnoUwe7hlPtxGJo/s1600/ClosetReno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uraVKbP2hqSJPzvmUShxECzJSO9csk64lJze4IRw6XpW1bsC0pojTliQDtBIX7dDHrvV56EyQFm5B2clsEd9Q6mjIuoGrtYAEx8s48Y6byMxkA_YidwKdUJy5N3cYnoUwe7hlPtxGJo/s640/ClosetReno.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As much as it kills me to get rid of anything that is original to this house, that closet door has got. to. GOOOO. We plan on busting it out and installing bifold doors and better shelving ( like we did for the <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2011/07/progression-babys-room.html">nursery</a>).</div>
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You guys, I am like a friggin linkasaurus today. That is like my seventh link in this post. What is with me today?</div>
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Anyway, we are also throwing around the idea of completely gutting the entire room. It's hard to see in pictures, but there is a 1/2 inch gap between the dry wall and the top of the baseboard. And I'll be honest, I don't think there is enough primer in the world to cover this god awful color.</div>
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Is it awful that I would rather re drywall the ENTIRE ROOM rather than try to paint over this color?</div>
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When we do finally paint, this is what I'm thinking of:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbzpFzCU46ncQqAGyQWKDJGvQubP9bTimT-h5u4F6ONmtNcpe-X45766JKhfLgGIw_aLgqFG_zzar2VAniub4RoiaKry0Z24nV78ryMN-YUgwSKS-sRPVbwcNj-zBxJi9EobA7v2dP78/s1600/DSC_0820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbzpFzCU46ncQqAGyQWKDJGvQubP9bTimT-h5u4F6ONmtNcpe-X45766JKhfLgGIw_aLgqFG_zzar2VAniub4RoiaKry0Z24nV78ryMN-YUgwSKS-sRPVbwcNj-zBxJi9EobA7v2dP78/s640/DSC_0820.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am thinking of doing a white stripe about 2/3 of the way up the wall. Below the stripe I currently have a swatch of Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter and above is Benjamin Moore's Edgecomb Gray. I plan on using the curtains that we had in our <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2010/12/house-crashing-falconhead.html">great room in the apartment</a> (shown) but I go back and forth about keeping them the soft blue they are or dying them navy blue. </div>
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...and on the eighth link of the post, I am going to end this before I get too out of control ;)</div>
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This room has a long way to go, but the addition of the sofa has made it so much more livable! Isn't it amazing what a simple thing like seating can do to a room?</div>
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Always & Forever,</div>
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ME</div>
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LizzieBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14402721970584240692noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723766935394103339.post-80884321808101670602013-09-05T07:00:00.000-04:002013-09-05T15:12:05.726-04:00Color My World: What a (S)teal!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Target aficionados (like myself) know that they sell little bottles of nail polish for $.97 in their beauty department. I've past them a couple of times, but as a die hard fan of Sally Hansen and O.P.I, I've scoffed at their cheap price tag. I may be cheap, but I do have standards.</div>
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The other day, I was meandering through during my lunch break, and I saw the Tudor City Teal. As someone who sticks to classics like pink, red and nude, this was far outside my comfort zone. I figured that for under a dollar, I was willing to take the risk.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxTf70SAI5I3klowsMCkL3T-lSh1C88mU_gtqAhu_ICBSUM-U5AUanqzS04tnL0arZFvSh07aoY5y0FSdicEcRqd-5-YJ2j_kNBBX1SNAVv1A_Y3eyCCozIxWNL-iqSKNS3HI8h1j_40/s1600/DSC_0461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxTf70SAI5I3klowsMCkL3T-lSh1C88mU_gtqAhu_ICBSUM-U5AUanqzS04tnL0arZFvSh07aoY5y0FSdicEcRqd-5-YJ2j_kNBBX1SNAVv1A_Y3eyCCozIxWNL-iqSKNS3HI8h1j_40/s640/DSC_0461.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am still on the fence about the color. Like I said, this is not something I would normally rock, but let me show you my other purchases that day:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGComEP8aoPDFurxXTvtGQxjWT6X3LR3t7ckDVitO4B0fjsdGmj6SBrCLbgryQJ6ZoH0NfaYClguN1lYLYIkygxS9sdcAtl3LFQE9yFlx3rehoOp-36UNGL-dZhm1OsNR2ESNoxEHoKGI/s1600/DSC_0465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGComEP8aoPDFurxXTvtGQxjWT6X3LR3t7ckDVitO4B0fjsdGmj6SBrCLbgryQJ6ZoH0NfaYClguN1lYLYIkygxS9sdcAtl3LFQE9yFlx3rehoOp-36UNGL-dZhm1OsNR2ESNoxEHoKGI/s640/DSC_0465.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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...my new planner and a sweet little bow key chain snagged from the Dollar Spot in the same hue. Oddly enough, I didn't realize they were the same colors until I got home.</div>
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And further more, it's an almost identical match to my cellphone case (please look past the dirt of daily use):</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTRadK4lq-XJerIwLUGWQK-yyRv2WMBa2OekFMDvWO9G9wF3r9GjowUFDZU6LciNmamyNJwc7QC6mJcvizU_7pSIv7BvJpg_7LcloHjt3a6fSl56tJ_hawSmNkemX9uL5MewPbtvQdNQ/s1600/DSC_0469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTRadK4lq-XJerIwLUGWQK-yyRv2WMBa2OekFMDvWO9G9wF3r9GjowUFDZU6LciNmamyNJwc7QC6mJcvizU_7pSIv7BvJpg_7LcloHjt3a6fSl56tJ_hawSmNkemX9uL5MewPbtvQdNQ/s640/DSC_0469.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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So while I thought this was a new and daring color for me, I'm realizing it's a color I surround myself on the daily. Which leads me to think, why not on my nails? <br />
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Watch out world, I've got teal on my nails. Ain't nothin gonna stop me now.<br />
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Always & Forever,<br />
MELizzieBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14402721970584240692noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723766935394103339.post-87299670884325101992013-08-29T07:00:00.000-04:002013-08-29T10:17:00.141-04:00First Annual Falconhead Independence Day BBQ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
An alternate title for this post could be "Lizzie Discovers Washi Tape and Proceeds to Put it On Everything". </div>
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The weekend after the Fourth of July, I had our family and neighborhood friends over for a little Independence Day BBQ. We noshed on my in-laws amazing BBQ chicken, corn on the cob, my mom's awesome German Potato salad, blue berry cobbler and other picnic-type foods. </div>
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In my mind, I would have beautiful red flowers overflowing my pots and in my planting beds. However, we've had SO MUCH rain this season, I am having a hell of a time keeping anything from not drowning. So to make up for my lack of flora, I stuck flags I snagged from Target's Dollar Spot in each pot. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8T2OLH-9NjfMLzf3Vgji3RPfx2kqxEoYM9L7PV78MplA93ORA2bj7v_zFsJkgcxn_4qDZCnSWIv1R52bSlJdRp21y_9Ub-ByqJfsJlr2NPsokROZZ3x9GDktBwJj9XYu_r4SUFbdGndg/s1600/DSC_0844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8T2OLH-9NjfMLzf3Vgji3RPfx2kqxEoYM9L7PV78MplA93ORA2bj7v_zFsJkgcxn_4qDZCnSWIv1R52bSlJdRp21y_9Ub-ByqJfsJlr2NPsokROZZ3x9GDktBwJj9XYu_r4SUFbdGndg/s640/DSC_0844.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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In the mudroom, I created a drink station. I had bottles of water, Capri Sun and beer in the cooler, iced tea in a pitcher and I made <a href="http://www.thenovicechefblog.com/2012/11/skinny-dragonberry-rum-twist/">Skinny Dragonberry Rum Twist</a> in my drink dispenser. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwD-l7RUPRcH7p01QXlyODq7ud9JDIBJU3qReKb5aQQGcTt3XDvxx5PfiGO2EpbfvBc3PzfD20DoUQGr9W5diIDVAeH8tHZi5gOwEgii3idH5ADQJJuaXpeWuNRskaWyoajp-3D9exms/s1600/DSC_0481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwD-l7RUPRcH7p01QXlyODq7ud9JDIBJU3qReKb5aQQGcTt3XDvxx5PfiGO2EpbfvBc3PzfD20DoUQGr9W5diIDVAeH8tHZi5gOwEgii3idH5ADQJJuaXpeWuNRskaWyoajp-3D9exms/s640/DSC_0481.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I had been eyeing up <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/rhodes-colorful-drink-dispenser-stand/?pkey=centertaining-outdoor&">Pottery Barn's Rhodes Dispenser Stand</a>- and was totally willing to pay full price for it- until I realized it would be too small for my nearly-nine-inch container. So you know how I roll-- I do it my damn self. I snagged a pot and base from Lowe's, sprayed them a glossy red, and glued them together. </div>
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I was inspired by <a href="http://newlywoodwards.com/2009/04/cans-to-containers.html">Kim's fence planters</a>, and sprayed a couple leftover cans the same glossy red, trimmed it in washi tape I picked up at Lowe's for about $2.50 and added some patriotic flowers from Trader Joe's.</div>
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The bulk of the party was meant to be held in the backyard, so I opened the fence gate and decorated them with a fabric banner I made from scraps I had leftover from a Halloween costume gone wrong. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I probably should have ironed it before I hung it. Whoops. </td></tr>
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On the day of the party, it was projected to be 97* , so I left sunscreen both inside and out in the back yard as well as bug spray (just in case). I had snagged a little tray at a yard sale for $.50, sprayed it the same glossy red and trimmed it in the same washi tape.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYi3JX3yaxvCNKT997OLIwpPzuzfS9P8Huw3Tye6S0otbVYpqx0ndEhjoLal17W0nRKFOcHNmDIfg3A5feHze30L31okhEhACIBLXvRL1MzGR862-0ibCS7pzo5fCi5m7RZiIaQJLXb3Y/s1600/DSC_0475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYi3JX3yaxvCNKT997OLIwpPzuzfS9P8Huw3Tye6S0otbVYpqx0ndEhjoLal17W0nRKFOcHNmDIfg3A5feHze30L31okhEhACIBLXvRL1MzGR862-0ibCS7pzo5fCi5m7RZiIaQJLXb3Y/s640/DSC_0475.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was going to have about 10 kids at the party, so I wanted to make sure there were plenty of activities to keep them occupied. We set up an inflatable pool, along with a water table to help keep them cool. I set a basket of goodies outside for them including sidewalk chalk, pool toys, water guns and DIY ribbon wands I made out of ribbon, dowel rods and, you guessed it, washi tape. </div>
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You guys, I love me some washi tape. Expect it on everything now. <br />
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Another thing that kept the kids attention was the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/YayLabs-Play-Freeze-Cream-Maker/dp/B000S5XYI2">Play and Freeze Ice Cream Maker</a>. My sister-in-law, Angie, brought it with her to pair with the blueberry cobbler, and the kids sat outside rolling it back and forth to each other.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abby gives it a roll</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owen intercepts and sends it to Bridget across from him</td></tr>
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Of course, I think it only kept their attention for about half the time needed. I am pretty sure my mom and Angie finished making the ice cream.</div>
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I love hosting family gatherings. My family lives about 45 minutes away from me, and while that isn't a ridiculous amount of time, I don't get to see them as much as I'd like to. I especially don't get to see enough of these sweet faces:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-zzLXIioB_PSYy5U78dEtxFHt6lG-i41NZ7zme0qzsmt1KEdTkAMELoA5YBlb3IX7mTX39A7GQUZ6XGRWO65FqoQc8IFudpGxQBsmKWBsnV_BVa2x7Z9-zqpYliqc6M7FYRcn0xUQ3s/s1600/DSC_0497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-zzLXIioB_PSYy5U78dEtxFHt6lG-i41NZ7zme0qzsmt1KEdTkAMELoA5YBlb3IX7mTX39A7GQUZ6XGRWO65FqoQc8IFudpGxQBsmKWBsnV_BVa2x7Z9-zqpYliqc6M7FYRcn0xUQ3s/s640/DSC_0497.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my nephew Hayes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQtCp5mB1a6BoghDJtzZDidt6EpYWOwj5m_9SxiTBjiKAThWnDRbRJCOj80lbwQrfm2WaPqUX6xDVxrP5GdMfN3jtA-uJEpU15iE4QAM38nXRPAWmY6v17_5e7vfDUz-qhzQWLxHn-zI/s1600/DSC_0542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQtCp5mB1a6BoghDJtzZDidt6EpYWOwj5m_9SxiTBjiKAThWnDRbRJCOj80lbwQrfm2WaPqUX6xDVxrP5GdMfN3jtA-uJEpU15iE4QAM38nXRPAWmY6v17_5e7vfDUz-qhzQWLxHn-zI/s640/DSC_0542.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His sassy sister, Skylar</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my niece and goddaughter, Abigail.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our friend's daughter, McKayla</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our handsome neighbor, Townes</td></tr>
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This is one of my favorite group of pictures from the day; my 21-month-old son pushing his nearly 8-year-old cousin on his Mater toy. </div>
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This kid is a beast. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMoq2e_ez-YHFXAtpM-RK-zXHwRsrHWReb56Oi4VvImbq1vbFXaNqrGhkDdNde0LEY-Dxew6SjewE8Q4tipSk7GrBTw8cVdXwvrZ0kIXRIwBXVz50YuiOPYhRl-b79kfWNbDKwLK5psA/s1600/DSC_0569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMoq2e_ez-YHFXAtpM-RK-zXHwRsrHWReb56Oi4VvImbq1vbFXaNqrGhkDdNde0LEY-Dxew6SjewE8Q4tipSk7GrBTw8cVdXwvrZ0kIXRIwBXVz50YuiOPYhRl-b79kfWNbDKwLK5psA/s640/DSC_0569.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was such a great afternoon, and I got the best compliment from my niece Abigail-- she said Aunt Lizzie throws the best parties.</div>
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Seriously the best words ever spoken about me.</div>
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I hope to make this a yearly event, so next year you'll see a recap about my 2nd Annual Falconhead Independence BBQ!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdEG_rrGuJ6v6iY-8uanDODRHeY-5285wb1lqkPDnY-uSwrcQ_Rd4QnA7v8-z0E1ZmWubespNp4TTB0x2fuY-LiEqxz8nyc9nVp9lF_UJc3gr4iI99OPg90WDj0ufRNaOKQe1SFObrtQ/s1600/DSC_0566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdEG_rrGuJ6v6iY-8uanDODRHeY-5285wb1lqkPDnY-uSwrcQ_Rd4QnA7v8-z0E1ZmWubespNp4TTB0x2fuY-LiEqxz8nyc9nVp9lF_UJc3gr4iI99OPg90WDj0ufRNaOKQe1SFObrtQ/s640/DSC_0566.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Always & Forever,<br />
MELizzieBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14402721970584240692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723766935394103339.post-79509482828646229882013-08-26T11:48:00.000-04:002013-08-26T11:48:52.569-04:00Wedding Crashing: Rustic Farm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Calling all brides-to-be: get your pinning trigger finger ready, because THIS is how you a rustic farm wedding with class.</div>
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You guys remember our friends <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2009/10/house-crashing-dub-c-style.html">Max and Whitney</a>? Well on May 18, 2013 we were honored to be invited to their wedding at the groom's parents house in Unionville, PA.</div>
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The ceremony was held on the front lawn with the house and beautiful courtyard as a back drop. On the day Max proposed, the smell of lilacs filled the air of their front porch, and they paid tribute to this fragrant memory by having lilacs everywhere- including the mason jars with tea candles that lined the aisle.</div>
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Max and Whitney chose a self-uniting ceremony and had their good friend Sara act as an officiant. The ceremony was so beautiful and intimate, I felt honored to be present for this moment.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennawalcott.com/">photo via Jenna Walcott Photography</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennawalcott.com/">photo via Jenna Walcott Photography</a></td></tr>
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Whitney looked... stunning. There is no other word to describe it. Her dress had everything: the mermaid style bodice was covered in lace and rhinestones, with feathers peaking up from her modified sweetheart neckline. The skirt has big ruffles of silk organza. She kept her jewelry simple, but added the perfect amount of drama with a gorgeous diamond cuff and a cathedral length veil. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennawalcott.com/">photo via Jenna Walcott Photography</a></td></tr>
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Her bouquet was the most beautiful bouquet I have ever seen and contained peonies, succulents and , of course, lilacs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6Af6wbdDhd-6Io37j_7CldZilc6fTRxokBMdYNT7Er7TQmLcMvSoSX_o6pdrsT704cfX3f3bcMAlxla0emV0GSky0vpKZKZzn8LRglazMHiIJVQWATxZKEgO8Mw3wlUFb2tco7n6YUU/s1600/DSC_0284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6Af6wbdDhd-6Io37j_7CldZilc6fTRxokBMdYNT7Er7TQmLcMvSoSX_o6pdrsT704cfX3f3bcMAlxla0emV0GSky0vpKZKZzn8LRglazMHiIJVQWATxZKEgO8Mw3wlUFb2tco7n6YUU/s640/DSC_0284.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Her bridesmaids were given carte blanche in picking a dress; the only rules were short and neutral. Without consulting the bride or each other, these five ladies picked dresses that played off each other perfectly.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennawalcott.com/">photo via Jenna Walcott Photography</a></td></tr>
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We need to talk about the favors. If you are looking for those nasty Jordan almonds, look elsewhere. Each guest got their own mason jar mug to carry around with them for the rest of the night. They had chalk board paint on each one, so you could scribe your name to your glass.<br />
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You guys, <i>mason jar mugs</i>. So yeah, this happened.</div>
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#mydreamcometrue.</div>
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Instead of the traditional guestbook, they set up a photo station for guest to have their picture taken, and then write a little note in a photo album. It was a great way to remember each guest on the day</div>
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I loved this heart shaped cut of wood. This is a beautiful memento of the day to be displayed on a mantle or bookshelf for years.<br />
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One of the personal touches was the actual beverages provided for the evening. Max is a brewer for a local brewery, so clearly a beer aficionado. Max was given the opportunity a while back to go to Belgium and learn brewing techniques from Jean van Roy at <a href="http://www.cantillon.be/br/3_1">Cantillon Brewery</a>. In honor of their special day, Jean sent a few kegs of their limited gueuze as the toasting beverage. </div>
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The owner of <a href="http://www.ferrantesmeats.com/">Farrente's Meats</a> is a close personal friend of the groom's father and did the catering for the wedding. They provided the most amazing appetizer I've ever had: tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons. </div>
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The reception was held under a tent directly next to the ceremony area. Throwing tradition to the wind, they chose a family style seating plan-- which lead to us getting to meet new people!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennawalcott.com/">photo via Jenna Walcott Photography</a></td></tr>
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The table linens were a simple and crisp white cloth with a burlap table runner. Mason jars and vases were filled with lilacs and roses of all colors and rose petals were scattered about.<br />
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We were serenaded by The Blue Method, a local soul funk band that is a favorite of Whitney's. </div>
After the first dance, the party got started<br />
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When Whitney is around, there is always dancing..</div>
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As the sun started to set, sparklers were handed out to guest to add to the magic of the night.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Maximus and Taintess,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Thank you for inviting us to your special day and into your lives. We feel so blessed to call you our friends. </span><span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> We wish you more better than worse, more health than sickness and more riches than poor, but I know regardless of your situation, you will remain steadfast to each other. For you have found a life companion in each other</span>.</span></span><br />
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Love Always,<br />
JEGs and Lady LumpsLizzieBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14402721970584240692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723766935394103339.post-91218723202483243852013-08-16T12:24:00.001-04:002013-08-16T12:25:21.552-04:00Take Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Back in June I <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2013/06/birthday-traditions.html">shared a mood board </a>for our master bedroom. I had two phases, the first being a general freshening up with paint and curtains. Every time I sat down to blog about it, I stopped myself, and I couldn't figure out what was holding me back. Until a couple weeks ago I realized what it was.</div>
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I hated the color. </div>
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Hated it. </div>
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I had chosen Benjamin Moore's Conventry Gray with the idea of going with a gray, blue and coral color scheme. After the color was on the wall, it just felt too cold and sterile to me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK10pREnA65YGl1X_aKIt8PzovWjOt_1hdRdvjEIl89RKkVpo1gBvXpOCLR_eJixGmmehYORToZc6deLrSE2M6SHjLYf8lvcSXNF2MKSWW0Wtj8oKBxgDTy5xs_eN1UmLhR6tZcOwZElw/s1600/DSC_0772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK10pREnA65YGl1X_aKIt8PzovWjOt_1hdRdvjEIl89RKkVpo1gBvXpOCLR_eJixGmmehYORToZc6deLrSE2M6SHjLYf8lvcSXNF2MKSWW0Wtj8oKBxgDTy5xs_eN1UmLhR6tZcOwZElw/s640/DSC_0772.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I decided to start looking into the "greige" colors-- beige grays. These are the colors I started flirting with<br />
(This picture is really not a good representation of the colors. If you are interested in their true tones, I would highly reccommend getting your own samples)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrlcwdJZDzCQTR70Fny5I-OaKPkhZh0nEgLoL_oVZxLKXmuQ0cpkrGW6DUbufo_idCxA77MRPd1ToNW7SWPwuanggWf4-tlkX89mrdS5TvlslM7_f5qaAyEZa8ZTa5O9FGJs5lvkOSg8/s1600/DSC_0785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrlcwdJZDzCQTR70Fny5I-OaKPkhZh0nEgLoL_oVZxLKXmuQ0cpkrGW6DUbufo_idCxA77MRPd1ToNW7SWPwuanggWf4-tlkX89mrdS5TvlslM7_f5qaAyEZa8ZTa5O9FGJs5lvkOSg8/s640/DSC_0785.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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At first I was torn between the Revere Pewter and the Edgecomb Gray, however I felt like the former was too dark and the latter too light. While I was flipping through the new Pottery Barn catalogue, I noticed wall color they used, SW Pediment, seemed like a nice mix of the two, while still being gray. <br />
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I've taken the day off from work and I'm repainting the bedroom again. Here is hoping the second time is a charm.<br />
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The good news is I am still loving our bedspread that I scored for $60 at Marshalls. It's a beautiful navy blue with a large floral print.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAgXRRZ2c_7y7s32Tpj6nBV7YUGv5qKUUqIl1qYxr2PpGbBdWhYNjYXZfzSmhIwi-3xvfzYQXksvPMZhn8vMXFeJyol7vTY7VehkG2nIsnL9l2rlBmtyIcYnLH_mGL0fx1937Up-sjmI/s1600/DSC_0782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAgXRRZ2c_7y7s32Tpj6nBV7YUGv5qKUUqIl1qYxr2PpGbBdWhYNjYXZfzSmhIwi-3xvfzYQXksvPMZhn8vMXFeJyol7vTY7VehkG2nIsnL9l2rlBmtyIcYnLH_mGL0fx1937Up-sjmI/s640/DSC_0782.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My favorite part is it is reversible. If I am feeling sassy, I can flip it over for a geometrical design. <br />
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It reminds me of this picture I snagged from Centsational Girl as an inspiration for the bedroom.<br />
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So I am just going to file this whole process under "life lessons". Sometimes you don't pick the right paint color the first time.<br />
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How about you? Have you ever picked a color that made you cringe after wards?<br />
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Always & Forever,<br />
ME<br />
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<br />LizzieBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14402721970584240692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723766935394103339.post-81346248065551096552013-07-30T11:35:00.001-04:002013-07-30T11:35:34.178-04:00Sandy, You Inconsiderate Bitch.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Way back in 2009, I house crashed the sweet <a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2009/07/blog-post.html">little shore house</a> my parents rented from my Great Aunt Ola. It is a duplex, with my parents on the lower floor and my great aunt, her daughter, and her daughter's kids and grandkids coming and going through out the summer. It wasn't much, just a two bedroom apartment that my parents spent their retirement enjoying during the summer.</div>
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And then Superstorm Sandy hit the New Jersey coast. </div>
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Working in the broadcasting business, I saw homes completely washed away from their foundations. I feared for the fate of our cozy shore cottage when I heard that Long Beach Island was one of the hardest hit areas. When my Aunt Becky was finally allowed on the island to assess the damage, they discovered the whole first floor had flooded and the water line was about three feet high. </div>
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Although I know we are very lucky to have sustained minimal damage, I was still upset the entire first floor had to be gutted- the only things that were saved was the refrigerator, stove, and living room furniture. All the other furniture, cabinets, walls, flooring, appliances, linens and special keepsakes had to be thrown out. </div>
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The once cozy living room went from this </div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxy_9N0ZXsQfBMKCImeS3a_FqGO4u9fq3RkMdjr8nMcf2pSGYWmYKaRh9YFj617w68JTvIwqimpMOxxd9GipMdsLllZVhlqlLx3RsyVu_ykFJiBNm-gkkWIDPsMKdhc_TKqDOTfIGMyah4/s640/DSCN4210.JPG" /></div>
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to this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLDh5GLO6uFDAltQgv9mVMXiyV7Aj7zb-vPUE95bICG7XrGjlJrqO7Nbx9D4pmk2jvYRreuZPGE6fViLTHMNfsI8BZAu_DM-8YHrknV8tZ3m1Vg1nTeQHMgozRBs4DNeDNnyAb6VNf5k/s1600/970748_3136741554007_1192771154_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLDh5GLO6uFDAltQgv9mVMXiyV7Aj7zb-vPUE95bICG7XrGjlJrqO7Nbx9D4pmk2jvYRreuZPGE6fViLTHMNfsI8BZAu_DM-8YHrknV8tZ3m1Vg1nTeQHMgozRBs4DNeDNnyAb6VNf5k/s640/970748_3136741554007_1192771154_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Both bedrooms were gutted</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7EGYESZaBPEsFgyihGXOIJAac8_NBO4Bi7HnkwsBdYPVafK1FYhsjmq6-ZqNuDXcUTLywvTOPuBzQs4RfJe_KxgDPYdSOcyO__cFJkykIQ3ik_44SKTNMXpxX86Y1TkvU-ZQA7Crz1g/s1600/5829_3136738993943_591653238_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7EGYESZaBPEsFgyihGXOIJAac8_NBO4Bi7HnkwsBdYPVafK1FYhsjmq6-ZqNuDXcUTLywvTOPuBzQs4RfJe_KxgDPYdSOcyO__cFJkykIQ3ik_44SKTNMXpxX86Y1TkvU-ZQA7Crz1g/s640/5829_3136738993943_591653238_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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...as well as the kitchen and bathroom.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQ4L73qVyRpKz5M3rqQBRCxh0Ui8ZTVivfLTE-QGnOclTnX_QjapYdGtztQm69qPO-uzOn-Y-30Z5q3CecgTbI-Z2cJ-Y-wc_Zn7FZIqyX58ZGbf5hiuocRGcVZmj_kKGDweYI_2VJlM/s1600/995660_3136738393928_845092670_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQ4L73qVyRpKz5M3rqQBRCxh0Ui8ZTVivfLTE-QGnOclTnX_QjapYdGtztQm69qPO-uzOn-Y-30Z5q3CecgTbI-Z2cJ-Y-wc_Zn7FZIqyX58ZGbf5hiuocRGcVZmj_kKGDweYI_2VJlM/s640/995660_3136738393928_845092670_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">standing in the kitchen and looking into the living room/ front of the house.</td></tr>
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As I mentioned before, the entire kitchen and the original cabinets had to be ripped out</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZcgx1HaiQfRtxBGGL0s0BVGcEI__fKYNypft4nlSGedFTVskFBtjnHIGHr1LzeX_k_SCmL6-xNVh4BdH8KOsX4Eq_7B4glPhK_XSc2tM77KUwjSvsjYNCoFwgRHE7vN8PQJDldO1VlOp/s640/DSCN4243.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">before circa 2009</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgjhIUN7urMO6aIQ9ytvs_yu7vopsh3ExuDdeYkDgcffNdJ72UiF8KaMkPu-Q7z2vIZgaHjYQLp_Rr1hIU7rmjJq1iSLJzQB0VsGbJnd87CgG8BT1eD1yttpNX6MLBQgzUs93YsZy0Qw/s1600/1596_3136739993968_2052626055_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgjhIUN7urMO6aIQ9ytvs_yu7vopsh3ExuDdeYkDgcffNdJ72UiF8KaMkPu-Q7z2vIZgaHjYQLp_Rr1hIU7rmjJq1iSLJzQB0VsGbJnd87CgG8BT1eD1yttpNX6MLBQgzUs93YsZy0Qw/s640/1596_3136739993968_2052626055_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">after June 2013</td></tr>
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For a couple of months we weren't sure if we would be able to use the house at all this summer, but then my cousin teased us with pictures on Facebook of drywall</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTChOPie0MTMZhgGHgx2muEhUyndQJhTa7qfF4uPro06zn1M36kGrF7rFxHxFSr3iIdslSZ7y8LKoAYHfqsObI3NHryjrQ5Vsrqzp2fz_WOELmcWZFGNkx42USY8yfH6NfO1KEElS3O8/s1600/995915_3232755594298_220284759_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTChOPie0MTMZhgGHgx2muEhUyndQJhTa7qfF4uPro06zn1M36kGrF7rFxHxFSr3iIdslSZ7y8LKoAYHfqsObI3NHryjrQ5Vsrqzp2fz_WOELmcWZFGNkx42USY8yfH6NfO1KEElS3O8/s640/995915_3232755594298_220284759_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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and floors..</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZAnsOzvehuTRk7Az-D5jhjnr_ZAgnE864o183_lvMdooIjZyuhDmo-UuaJxJUCkbwuYCSNjy-683HPVfU5y1WeFAhGfQ1XrOaGlIa5bqVjT__JJVgp9242f0KlUf3Zpb_MVxQqypr-Q/s1600/1012357_3248168019599_1987945788_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZAnsOzvehuTRk7Az-D5jhjnr_ZAgnE864o183_lvMdooIjZyuhDmo-UuaJxJUCkbwuYCSNjy-683HPVfU5y1WeFAhGfQ1XrOaGlIa5bqVjT__JJVgp9242f0KlUf3Zpb_MVxQqypr-Q/s640/1012357_3248168019599_1987945788_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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..and the greatest tease of all, a <i>brand new kitchen</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPKYU8xQ4MLTBf62vA39R-Lij0LU3ZaS8wwNmrwcVIgVjsQIBjHwz4kLHQ95l2SLJTDx3P_KiXZ0ZieHPOLE9_Zjhpr_NQFZTd_WkOrKfl2ZtiTad5R0zgTmO-N_fRs2jCefFNVSmr2I/s1600/1000284_3248165819544_1618624680_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPKYU8xQ4MLTBf62vA39R-Lij0LU3ZaS8wwNmrwcVIgVjsQIBjHwz4kLHQ95l2SLJTDx3P_KiXZ0ZieHPOLE9_Zjhpr_NQFZTd_WkOrKfl2ZtiTad5R0zgTmO-N_fRs2jCefFNVSmr2I/s640/1000284_3248165819544_1618624680_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhk_IDRNVIssuyDh8zGm3PkLbmNn6Farrlr60d0sSt3Gye7fYkrTztCfl7PBPY9XiulUpJ_-xlDGq3m_QTN3mAa634sZFuNU-omG9ffIqWKzNIgh_xtQhuWgjliGOLGib2lnJVzwswPI/s1600/1011341_3248167099576_1438662988_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhk_IDRNVIssuyDh8zGm3PkLbmNn6Farrlr60d0sSt3Gye7fYkrTztCfl7PBPY9XiulUpJ_-xlDGq3m_QTN3mAa634sZFuNU-omG9ffIqWKzNIgh_xtQhuWgjliGOLGib2lnJVzwswPI/s640/1011341_3248167099576_1438662988_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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ERMERGERD, I love this kitchen layout. Look at all that storage!<br />
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Now that most of the work is done, my mom can start scouring yard sales and Craigslist for furniture to replace all that was lost. Or as I like to call it "the fun part!" <br />
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Fingers crossed I'll be able to house crash before the summer is over!<br />
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Always & Forever,</div>
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ME</div>
LizzieBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14402721970584240692noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723766935394103339.post-57578724725301211182013-07-16T11:04:00.000-04:002013-07-16T11:04:57.759-04:00Rookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hey guys! It's been quiet around the halls of Lizzie In Progress because, honestly, I've just been kickin' back and enjoying the summer. We went to a beautiful wedding in May (hopefully I'll get it on the blog soon) and we've got another one coming up this weekend! Also you guys, tomorrow is our third anniversary! Holy hell! No big plans to celebrate- no traditional gifts of leather, crystal or pearls here--just dinner at a local Italian place, and we are staying an extra night away for the wedding then we normally would. </div>
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But what I really wanted to tell you about is something that happened this past weekend. On Sunday JEGs and I took the monster to Target to fill a couple prescriptions and to buy Hunter a potty. In order to get him excited about the potty, we told him we were buying him a new toy. So we head over to Target, and surprise surprise, the shittastic Target in the Metroplex doesn't have the toilet we were looking for. Honestly, I shouldn't be surprised. This Target has burned me<a href="http://lizzieinprogress.blogspot.com/2009/09/missing-bullseye.html"> before</a>. </div>
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Anyway, now we have promised Hunter a toy, and if nothing else, this kid remembers stuff like this. So we meander over to the toy aisle and find a little $6 helicopter for him. As we are leaving the aisle he starts yelling "BYE BYE TRUCK! BYE BYE TRUCK!" and by the time we are in the clothing department, he is in hysterics. JEGs shows him the helicopter we picked out and he says he doesn't want it. He wants truck. So JEGs goes back to the aisle and swaps it out for the little police car that came in the set. He doesn't want that. So we take him back into the aisle and ask him to point out what he wants. This is what we came home with: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7gUIbvNbhTgjT0839R0AGrYHKmBscUjGp33IaDSE-QzfUPezmPWpBcWWZEZc163pYu4hOW4Q2u8YZXnAFTW_m39FPFumY52e54zejtw99sGyFBFGDDX5QHbbQjTfTtQyiBsAIRqkJc0/s1600/IMG_2401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7gUIbvNbhTgjT0839R0AGrYHKmBscUjGp33IaDSE-QzfUPezmPWpBcWWZEZc163pYu4hOW4Q2u8YZXnAFTW_m39FPFumY52e54zejtw99sGyFBFGDDX5QHbbQjTfTtQyiBsAIRqkJc0/s640/IMG_2401.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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A fifteen dollar fire rescue truck with lights and sirens. Very LOUD lights and sirens. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/aPmrOEMDmDY" width="560"></iframe></div>
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...and we still didn't get a potty.</div>
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As we were driving home, JEGs looked and me and said, "You realize we made a rookie parenting move by letting him cry his way into getting a bigger toy, right?"</div>
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I make no bones that I am a sucker for that little boy.</div>
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But to be fair, we don't buy him toys that often. The last toy we bought him was to replace a broken toy he got at Christmas-- which is probably when he got most of the stuff he has now. </div>
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So if a gargantuan truck keeps my little dude happy (and keeps me from having to watch Cars 2 1500 times today), then I will just take it. And stock up on some Advil.</div>
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..but not from Target. They'll probably be out.</div>
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Always & Forever, </div>
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ME</div>
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LizzieBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14402721970584240692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723766935394103339.post-29024453040813649172013-07-03T12:38:00.000-04:002013-07-31T13:35:17.707-04:00Hunter 21 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZi0DbvtYDhS4mAGjeGqkfhiqR34cMb4sG2xJq8oHYOd3wE0o45CxDg76kgOE-oMbNeF944t1k5JkQTkeMNAJlugfrKkfyiHWi2pLE2vv7NGa1LEtAvr3vXxr6DHlPKqz0kX3Qm75qmpw/s1600/21months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZi0DbvtYDhS4mAGjeGqkfhiqR34cMb4sG2xJq8oHYOd3wE0o45CxDg76kgOE-oMbNeF944t1k5JkQTkeMNAJlugfrKkfyiHWi2pLE2vv7NGa1LEtAvr3vXxr6DHlPKqz0kX3Qm75qmpw/s640/21months.jpg" width="560" /></a></div>
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Lawdy folks.. I think we are hitting the dreaded Terrible Twos already. This child know what he wants to do and he is going to do it <i><b>by himself,</b></i> whether I want him to or not. When I was a toddler, my mom says she knew I had an independent streak early because I would insist that I didn't need help. I would say in a very stern voice " I DO IT MYSELF". Hunter definitely has my strong will and hot Irish temper.<br />
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I am pretty sure my mom is chuckling to herself. <br />
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He got to log some quality time with his godmother, Aunt Tara, at the beginning of the month. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIIBE8uxfX73_e92K1lmJNnb7PXW5uhuPpqedhp69mNb9i7907b_nFOPO6zA8PXsd4sEKk8yHKFl28PDbgq60uZFYLA6V9DWUcoiz3SXz2obmP_Tm76dgfLOxX9PC-Dq8cGqOP92wYmI/s1600/IMG_2133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIIBE8uxfX73_e92K1lmJNnb7PXW5uhuPpqedhp69mNb9i7907b_nFOPO6zA8PXsd4sEKk8yHKFl28PDbgq60uZFYLA6V9DWUcoiz3SXz2obmP_Tm76dgfLOxX9PC-Dq8cGqOP92wYmI/s640/IMG_2133.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Don't let the side-eye fool you. He adores her.</div>
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His eczema has gotten much worse; it covers his hands, feet, arms, legs and occasionally patches crop up on his face and torso. We have an appointment with the dermotologist this up coming week and I swear it can't come soon enough. Trying to do the simplest things like wash his hands or even just hold his hands makes him cry in pain. It breaks my heart.</div>
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All of his teachers at daycare mention how great he is with words. I mean, he's not Henry Higgins' star pupil, but you get the idea of what he is trying to say. He is also starting to be able to put together small sentences: yeah I did. where mommy go. mailmans truck. <br />
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He loves to grab a cell phone or anything that looks like a cellphone- like a remote- and have "conversations". When you ask him with whom is he talking, the answer is usually Mem (my mom) or Pop Pop (JEGs' dad). <br />
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Let's be honest.. this kid is a gangsta and just a general bad ass..<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRqy-r6yzVXo-qd58v-H4W2c9WbgwkA0fJltZ6M_Xu2csOJgrR0YwD2FH24cz4O8s4G-Pfd3YvcZE6vnXj56qr2wv5pEj01WdIZ0HGLCj1imgu2NvnZs1Wgd82sVcOuJQI3rSOOIZs9Y/s1600/IMG_2187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRqy-r6yzVXo-qd58v-H4W2c9WbgwkA0fJltZ6M_Xu2csOJgrR0YwD2FH24cz4O8s4G-Pfd3YvcZE6vnXj56qr2wv5pEj01WdIZ0HGLCj1imgu2NvnZs1Wgd82sVcOuJQI3rSOOIZs9Y/s640/IMG_2187.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yeah I'm drinking my cuppy. What of it?</td></tr>
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..he didn't choose the bub life, the bub life chose him. </div>
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Bubs,</div>
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I know I say this every month, but every day you continue to bring us so much love and joy. I miss you when I am at work, and I can't wait to see your adorable grin again. Your hugs are probably the most medicinal things on this planet. I love you so much.</div>
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Love,</div>
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Mommy</div>
LizzieBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14402721970584240692noreply@blogger.com0