tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87560413769480332412024-02-06T20:48:24.203-06:00e.louisee.louise {Liz}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08336851134550186241noreply@blogger.comBlogger203125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756041376948033241.post-13154971708537743452013-03-26T14:32:00.002-05:002013-03-26T14:42:05.695-05:00Lately<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Where the heck has the first quarter of the year gone?? Once again, I cannot believe this year is just flying by so quickly. Also how have I not posted since January?!</div>
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My husband gifted me a nice, shiny sewing machine for Christmas last year and it has been getting a TON of use. I just finished up my third baby quilt of the year this past weekend, and I'm starting to sketch out some ideas for a few new quilts. My sister also gifted me a journal for Christmas that has been absolutely perfect for this.</div>
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My husband has also been hinting that I should make us a quilt- something that has been on my "to-do" list for quite a while. Once upon a time, long ago, I made <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/08/05/cocktail-napkins/#axzz2OaARPkFH">cocktail napkins</a> for our wedding and I have still have fabric + some left over napkins that are patiently waiting to be sewn into something. I don't think I have enough fabric for my original idea, so I've been brainstorming a few new layouts. Nothing set in stone yet, which means it may be awhile before I actually start piecing together a quilt top, but I'm excited to start the process. </div>
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I also picked up a few sewing patterns that I really want to try out, including this <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/laurel">dress</a> and this <a href="http://store.annamariahorner.com/newartstto.html">tote</a>. I was lucky enough to see this <a href="http://www.bijoulovelydesigns.com/2013/03/art-student-tote.html">tote</a>, and it's seamstress, in person at QuiltCon :)</div>
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And since I haven't had any time to edit the photos of my recent quilts (yet), I'll leave you with this little sneak-peak from one. </div>
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Happy Tuesday everyone!e.louise {Liz}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08336851134550186241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756041376948033241.post-7633678338832085782013-03-26T12:30:00.004-05:002013-03-26T13:06:18.064-05:00RIP Google ReaderAlong with pretty much everyone else in the blogging world, I too am pretty bummed that Google Reader is calling it quits. I'm still deciding on some alternative platforms to view my favorite, blogs (mainly feedly & bloglovin')<br />
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In order to prep for the inevitable, you can find me here:<br />
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<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2504301/?claim=7tgqvgtbjv6">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>
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I'll be back with soon with some new posts!!</div>
e.louise {Liz}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08336851134550186241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756041376948033241.post-56337427527978325682013-01-24T11:02:00.000-06:002013-01-24T11:02:12.700-06:00Goals, goals...... goalsI am a horrible goal setter. Wait, let me rephrase that: I am <i><b>great</b></i> at setting goals, I am horrible at actually finishing them. I think part of the problem is that I get overwhelmed by either the number of goals or underwhelmed by the span of one year to to complete them. Also I am a champ at starting projects and never finishing (a story for another day).<br />
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So with this, I am going to test out a new method: <br />
Set a few <i>specific</i> goals.<br />
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<b>Creative:</b><br />
1. Finish 3 quilts. (I'm hoping to have two of them done by the end of this month/early next month- I WILL post pictures once their new owners have received them)<br />
2. Refinish new/old dining room table & chairs.<br />
3. Refinish new/old end table.<br />
4. Post a house tour.<br />
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<b>Health:</b><br />
1. Cut out wheat/gluten for one day. I have come to the conclusion that I eat entirely too many carbs. The weight gain/calorie intake is one concern I have, but I've also noticed that I feel really blah after eating too much bread, tortillas, cake, {insert bread product here} etc.<br />
2. Weight Training. I picked up this book (after reading <a href="http://www.adoredaustin.com/2013/01/you-could-beat-me-in-arm-wrestling.html">this post</a>):<br />
<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="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51MYrgDV+XL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-45,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51MYrgDV+XL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-45,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Rules-Lifting-Women-ebook/dp/B004IE9RGC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359045789&sr=8-1&keywords=new+lifting+rules+for+women">Amazon</a></td></tr>
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I completed week one, and I'm pretty excited to get started on week two. I want change that lasts and I feel like, after reading the book, this will help me accomplish that. Yay fitness! (And hello gym).<br />
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<b>Home</b>:<br />
1. Remove the carpet from our bathroom already. THIS WILL HAPPEN.<br />
2. Fix our outdoor faucets. AKA: Hire a plumber to fix our faucets. They both leak and we waste a ton of water during the summer while watering our grass.<br />
3. Speaking of grass, hire someone to de-weed our yard. I would love to think that this is an easy DIY task, but it's not. And if we don't take care of it now, I'll be pulling out crab grass all summer long like last year. (Trust me when I say it is the opposite of fun)<br />
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<b>Life:</b><br />
1. Make three meals at home per week. X has class twice a week so scheduling meals during the semester gets a little tricky. But, I know this is better for our bodies <i>and</i> our pocketbooks.<br />
2. Have date night once a week. Go/Do/See somewhere or something new.<br />
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Deadline? <b>April 30</b>.<br />
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Even as I look at this list, there are many other "to-do" items running through my head that I really want to get done. At this point, I'm just going to focus on the items listed and try my hardest to complete them *crosses fingers*.<br />
<br />e.louise {Liz}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08336851134550186241noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756041376948033241.post-80313866217756026212012-12-17T10:35:00.000-06:002012-12-17T10:35:06.985-06:00<3 Sandy Hook<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Mirella Script Limited Free Ver"; font-size: 36.0pt; line-height: 115%;">i
have called you by name;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Mirella Script Limited Free Ver"; font-size: 36.0pt; line-height: 115%;">you
are mine.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Mirella Script Limited Free Ver"; font-size: 30.0pt; line-height: 115%;">isaiah
43:1<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Ways you can help:</div>
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<a href="https://newtown.uwwesternct.org/">United Way, Western Conneticut</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.newtownyouthandfamilyservices.org/donate.php">Newtown Youth & Family Services</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.evergram.com/post-message/our-broken-hearts-2542/?utm_campaign=subdmn">Evergram</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fairfield-sun.com/6795/donate-teddy-bears-for-children-of-newtown/">Operation Fuzzy Wuzzy</a></div>
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<br />e.louise {Liz}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08336851134550186241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756041376948033241.post-67877338086325556522012-12-06T09:16:00.001-06:002012-12-06T09:19:04.678-06:00Minted- The Non-Photo CardI know photo cards are ever so popular when sending out holiday cheer to our friends and loved ones, but it can be really stressful (and difficult) to get the whole family together for that one. perfect. shot. Or if you're like me.... spend hours on end browsing through my unorganized photos from the last year to find a good one of "us" to include.<br />
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And actually, while chatting with one of my girlfriends the other day, she made a good point. Photo cards are kind of tricky because they can really be displayed one time a year. It seems kind of a waste to put all the effort into sending something out that will be seen for maybe 30 days.<br />
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The solution to this is, of course, sending out a card and including a separate photo. But then you have to find the. perfect. card. Something that represents you and the holiday spirit.<br />
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I would love to have the best of both worlds: a beautiful, unique card AND a great picture to send to my loved ones- both being items that they can display over and over again (because I <b>know</b> everyone wants to put up pictures of my husband and me (and our fur balls) year after year, hehe).<br />
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Enter <a href="http://www.minted.com/holiday-photo-cards">Minted</a>. Their cards are really more works of art than your average holiday mail. I would definitely frame these and display them with the rest of my Christmas decor every year. The colors are just absolutely dreamy. And the fonts? Oh my!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn3.minted.com/files/mintedProductsImages/MIN/HNP/3G2/MIN-3G2-HNP-001C_A_PD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn3.minted.com/files/mintedProductsImages/MIN/HNP/3G2/MIN-3G2-HNP-001C_A_PD.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.minted.com/product/holiday-cards/MIN-3G2-HNP/merry-typography">Merry Typography</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn3.minted.com/files/mintedProductsImages/MIN/HNP/56G/MIN-56G-HNP-001_A_PD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn3.minted.com/files/mintedProductsImages/MIN/HNP/56G/MIN-56G-HNP-001_A_PD.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.minted.com/product/holiday-cards/MIN-56G-HNP/sketchbook-foliage">Sketchbook Foliage</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.minted.com/product/holiday-cards/MIN-4J1-HNP/santa-is-coming">Santa is Coming</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.minted.com/product/holiday-cards/MIN-3H1-HNP/woodland-noel">Woodland Noel</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn3.minted.com/files/mintedProductsImages/MIN/HNP/75G/MIN-75G-HNP-001_C_PD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn3.minted.com/files/mintedProductsImages/MIN/HNP/75G/MIN-75G-HNP-001_C_PD.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.minted.com/product/holiday-cards/MIN-75G-HNP/modern-12-days">Modern 12 Days</a></td></tr>
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*Love* I could post every single card from their site onto my blog because they are all so wonderful, but I'll let you go check out the rest on your own :D<br />
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The colors, edges, and backs are all customizable. And if you really love details (like me), they provide optional (gorgeous) envelope liners too:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.minted.com/product/holiday-cards/MIN-75G-HNP/modern-12-days?po=5&sf=1">Modern 12 Day</a> {envelope liner}</td></tr>
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And the best part, is that their cards are a collaboration of a variety of designers.<br />
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Take this card, for example:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn3.minted.com/files/mintedProductsImages/MIN/HYC/6D6/MIN-6D6-HYC-001D_A_PD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn3.minted.com/files/mintedProductsImages/MIN/HYC/6D6/MIN-6D6-HYC-001D_A_PD.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.minted.com/product/holiday-photo-cards/MIN-6D6-HYC/all-is-bright">All is Bright</a></td></tr>
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Designed by my very talented, fellow <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/">Weddingbee</a> blogger, <a href="http://www.chelseyemery.com/">Chelsey Emery</a>!<br />
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Right now, <a href="http://www.minted.com/">Minted</a> has a <a href="http://www.minted.com/minted-coupon-codes">promotion</a> for 15% off all holiday card orders of $150+ and 10% off all holiday card orders of $100+. They also <a href="http://www.minted.com/envelope-addressing">include</a> your recipients' addresses on all holiday card orders.<br />
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So, if you haven't ordered your Christmas/New Year's/Hanukkah/Holiday cards yet, I highly recommend that you head over to the <a href="http://www.minted.com/">Minted</a> site, and take a look around. You may just find something you love.<br />
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**<span style="font-size: x-small;">This post is sponsored by Minted. I am receiving compensation in return for the above review; however, the thoughts and views expressed are solely my own.</span>e.louise {Liz}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08336851134550186241noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756041376948033241.post-41163871645013212002012-11-21T10:39:00.000-06:002012-11-21T10:39:15.526-06:00ThankfulSince I may or may not be spending most of tomorrow eating, I thought I would write a short, but sweet, snippet of what I am thankful for this year.<br />
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<b>1. Husband</b><br />
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Love him. Can't express how grateful I am that he is in my life :) I am so proud that he is just a little bit closer to completing his goals this year and that he hasn't quit working toward them. And he still makes time to keep me laughing and smiling every single day.<br />
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<b>2. Families.</b><br />
Both mine and the one I gained courtesy of item number 1. And the furry companions that live with us and sometimes drive me up the wall. (Especially since one of them has discovered a new found love for our compost pile and, thus, spends almost every waking second hanging out by it, smelling it, laying by it, and *ew* probably eating things out of it).<br />
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But in all seriousness, I know that many people struggle with their in-laws, and many more with their own inherited family - through no fault of their own, sometimes people just aren't compatible. So I feel incredibly thankful and blessed that my family seems (I hope!) to like spending time with me, and I with them.<br />
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<b>3. Friends.</b><br />
Especially these ladies. They are pretty much like an adopted family to me, but I feel like they needed a separate post. I drifted away from them for a while during college, and I am so thankful that I have found my way back to them.<br />
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4. Everything else is just icing on the cake. I really wouldn't have anything if it weren't from items 1,2, & 3.<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving all! I hope you will be gorging with your family, friends, and/or loved ones tomorrow :)<br />
<br />e.louise {Liz}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08336851134550186241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756041376948033241.post-86785960550144143252012-11-19T14:20:00.000-06:002012-11-19T14:22:35.268-06:00Giving Cards + a TreatI just discovered that Shutterfly has introduced a new greeting card site called <a href="http://www.treat.com/">Treat</a>. I often find myself running to the store last minute to buy a card for birthdays or holidays, and, of course, I stand there in front of the card aisle for twenty minutes trying to find the. perfect. one. Usually, I end up settling on something not quite perfect because I have run out of time.<br />
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Treat offers the ability to personalize (with photos!!!- can you tell I'm excited about this?) cards and purchase them online. Even better: you can mail cards directly to their recipients from their online order site, and you can add gift cards too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.treat.com/product/36004/thank_you_greeting_cards_chic_verdure_.html">thank you card</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://treat-images-cdn.tp-global.net/product/32260/color/01/panel/1/width/370/height/370/shadow/0/modTime/20111201232340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://treat-images-cdn.tp-global.net/product/32260/color/01/panel/1/width/370/height/370/shadow/0/modTime/20111201232340.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.treat.com/personalize/3226001/congratulations_greeting_cards_charming_safari.html">congratulations card</a></td></tr>
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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="http://treat-images-cdn.tp-global.net/product/40689/color/01/panel/1/width/510/height/510/shadow/0/modTime/20121115105429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://treat-images-cdn.tp-global.net/product/40689/color/01/panel/1/width/510/height/510/shadow/0/modTime/20121115105429.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.treat.com/personalize/4068901/thank_you_greeting_cards_happy_boxes.html">photo thank you card</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The photo cards would be so fun for sending out as a shower or party "thank you". I think I can definitely say that I will be customizing a few of my own with some instagram photos.<br />
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<b>And a treat just for you: </b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Go to the <a href="http://www.treat.com/">Treat</a> website either today or tomorrow (November 19 or 20). Choose a card and personalize it. Enter this code at the end: <b style="color: #222222;">TREATBLOGR</b><b style="color: #222222;">. </b><span style="color: #222222;">You get your card for free. <b>YAY! </b>Happy Card Shopping, peeps :)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>*</b>I am receiving compensation from Shutterfly for writing this post, but the thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>e.louise {Liz}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08336851134550186241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756041376948033241.post-9298455225345593882012-11-14T08:36:00.000-06:002012-11-14T08:36:43.593-06:00Tinyprints Giveaway Announced!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://static-cdn.tp-global.net/image/tp/rebrand/logo-2012-09-18.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static-cdn.tp-global.net/image/tp/rebrand/logo-2012-09-18.png" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0ddb340/" id="rc-0ddb340" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script></div>
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Congratulations Layla!! Please send me your email so I can send you prize :)</div>
e.louise {Liz}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08336851134550186241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756041376948033241.post-14686479501082301302012-11-09T09:11:00.001-06:002012-11-09T09:11:49.536-06:00Happy Friday!!This weekend will bring us the last of the 80 degree temperatures that we'll have for a while. At least I *hope* it will. This weather is lovely, but I would love for it to actually feel "fall-like" here in Austin. In the mean time, or at least for the next three days, I'm hoping to:<br />
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1) Fit in some outdoor activities (mostly running or walking the dogs). We have a dog park/run in our neighborhood that I've taken a liking to recently. I've found that running at dusk brings me an incredible sense of calm and renews my energy. I *gasp* actually look forward to my evening runs (NEVER thought I would say that).<br />
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2) Some furniture refinishing (yes, I am still in the process of finishing the second <a href="http://byelouise.blogspot.com/2012/02/odds-ends.html">end table</a>). I would like to finish that before the end of this year.<br />
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3) We have a long list of boring/smallish (definitely not fun) projects around the house that need to be taken care of. Like repainting the base boards, fixing the ceiling in one room (the drywall tape is pealing), replacing a toilet (that's broken), replacing a sink (that doesn't match- I need to take photos and post for clarification), winterizing our lawn, trimming the shrubs. Blah, blah, blah.<br />
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4) Since my husband is in school right now, most of those projects listed in item #3 will go unattended unless I tackle them. Yuck.<br />
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5) Perhaps one evening I'll fit in some outdoor fire time with my favorite person and dogs :)<br />
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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="http://distilleryimage11.s3.amazonaws.com/9fe9d004216a11e29f48123138100e95_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://distilleryimage11.s3.amazonaws.com/9fe9d004216a11e29f48123138100e95_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our new fire pit :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You can still enter the <a href="http://byelouise.blogspot.com/2012/11/its-holiday-card-season.html">Tiny Prints Giveaway</a>! <b>Today's prompt: Tell me what you have planned this weekend!</b><br />
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P.S. Did you know you can now view your instagram profiles online? Here is <a href="http://instagram.com/_elouise">mine</a>.<br />
P.P.S. I'm sure everyone knows, but <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> now has <a href="https://support.pinterest.com/entries/22277603">secret boards</a> :)e.louise {Liz}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08336851134550186241noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756041376948033241.post-36907906396742776352012-11-08T08:43:00.000-06:002012-11-08T08:43:17.525-06:00Winter Comfort FoodI think this is the season in which I most look forward to eating. Here are a few of my favorites thus far:<br />
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<b> 1. Pork Posole: </b><br />
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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="http://www.foodandwine.com/images/sys/200810-r-simple-pork-posole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.foodandwine.com/images/sys/200810-r-simple-pork-posole.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image via <a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/simple-pork-posole">Food & Wine</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/crock-pot-texas-pozole-mexican-pork-and-hominy-soup-173874">recipe</a> is pretty similar to how I make mine (my additions/deleted noted):<br />
(1) <strike>3/4</strike> <b>1</b> lbs pork <b>loin</b> steaks*, trimmed of fat salt, to taste
pepper, to taste<br />
<strike>(1)</strike> <b>(2)</b> (14 1/2 ounce) can<b>s white</b> hominy, drained & rinsed <b>(Bush's is my go-to brand)</b><br />
<strike>(2)</strike> <b>(4) </b>cups chicken broth- <a href="http://www.pacificfoods.com/our-foods/broths/organic-ls-chicken-broth"><b>this kind</b> </a><br />
(1) small <b>yellow</b> onion, chopped<br />
<strike>(2)</strike> <b>(4-6) </b>garlic cloves, <strike>minced</strike> <b>halved</b><br />
<b>Fresh Oregano, chopped (to taste- ~2 tsp)</b><br />
<strike>(1) (4 ounce) can diced green chili peppers, drained </strike><br />
<strike>(1) teaspoon chili powder</strike><br />
<strike>(3/4) teaspoon ground cumin
</strike><br />
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Brown onions & garlic. Add to onions, garlic and broth to crock pot. Drain and rinse hominy, add to crock pot. Cut pork loin into small chunks, brown edges and add to crock pot. Add salt & pepper. Cook on "auto" heat for about 4 hours. Serve with cilantro, avocado, tortilla chips, fresh squeezed limes, jalapenos or hot sauce.<br />
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Maybe next time I'll get smart and take my own pictures...<br />
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<b>*</b>pork can also be substituted with chicken<br />
<b>**</b>completely unrelated, but every time I cook with garlic, I think of <a href="http://thehandcraftedlife.blogspot.com/">Morgan</a><br />
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<b>2. Pot Roast</b><br />
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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="http://static.thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/files/2008/01/potroast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://static.thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/files/2008/01/potroast.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image via the <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/09/2008_the_year_of_the_pot_roast/">Pioneer Woman</a></td></tr>
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I use the Pioneer Woman's method of browning the onions and chuck roast (see her <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/09/2008_the_year_of_the_pot_roast/">recipe</a>). However, I cook mine in a crock pot. I add about 12 oz of water, and then, layer the onions, red potatoes (halved) and carrots on the bottom of the crock pot. The roast sits on top of that. Cook on "auto" for 4-5 hours, turning the roast over a few times during that time so that it cooks evenly.</div>
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The crock pot is your friend my dears.<br />
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<b>3. Abuelita's Hot Chocolate</b>:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-P5k1eGweRI/TPMGTyTZE6I/AAAAAAAAC6s/SCmlzoxOdng/s1600/IMG_0468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-P5k1eGweRI/TPMGTyTZE6I/AAAAAAAAC6s/SCmlzoxOdng/s1600/IMG_0468.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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Previously discussed <a href="http://byelouise.blogspot.com/2010/11/best-hot-cocoa-ever.html">here</a>. Preferably enjoyed with kettle corn or freshly baked cookies. Or s'mores if it's cool enough to make a fire.<br />
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<b>Don't forget to enter the <a href="http://byelouise.blogspot.com/2012/11/its-holiday-card-season.html">Tiny Prints giveaway</a> (you get one entry per day)! Today's prompt is easy- tell me your favorite comfort food :)</b>e.louise {Liz}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08336851134550186241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756041376948033241.post-27654909009049208292012-11-07T10:32:00.001-06:002013-11-07T15:44:38.583-06:00It's the Holiday {Card} SeasonI love sending out holiday cards each year, just as much as I love receiving them. I think I work even harder to get them out now that I'm married so that it can become a tradition for us every year. It's the little things :)<br />
Here is last year's card that I purchased from Tiny Prints:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2E6-Y6Tm9HtqoRDUAMA0X-LVwb_tTW_Aq5eDjAoR-7ap_xRnyZPkrUMxPq9CfEeS5GC817jSDv9OX6dPlZ29BtBK0lZktYw6EbhOPP48MTXKhTW3KwGjv_W7Yg0aNFQS8sFeszRJTQ4UJ/s1600/1.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2E6-Y6Tm9HtqoRDUAMA0X-LVwb_tTW_Aq5eDjAoR-7ap_xRnyZPkrUMxPq9CfEeS5GC817jSDv9OX6dPlZ29BtBK0lZktYw6EbhOPP48MTXKhTW3KwGjv_W7Yg0aNFQS8sFeszRJTQ4UJ/s1600/1.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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I was so happy with my order last year, and I'm excited to be ordering from them again!<br />
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This year, I would love to send out one of these holiday cards:<br />
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<a href="http://tp-images-cdn.tp-global.net/product/37825/panel/1/color/01/paper/2/trim/1/width/740/height/560undefined/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://tp-images-cdn.tp-global.net/product/37825/panel/1/color/01/paper/2/trim/1/width/740/height/560undefined/1.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://tp-images-cdn.tp-global.net/product/38739/panel/1/color/01/paper/2/modTime/20120918152447/width/740/height/560/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://tp-images-cdn.tp-global.net/product/38739/panel/1/color/01/paper/2/modTime/20120918152447/width/740/height/560/1.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://tp-images-cdn.tp-global.net/product/38970/panel/1/color/01/paper/2/trim/1/width/740/height/560undefined/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://tp-images-cdn.tp-global.net/product/38970/panel/1/color/01/paper/2/trim/1/width/740/height/560undefined/1.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://tp-images-cdn.tp-global.net/product/36525/panel/1/color/01/paper/2/width/740/height/560undefined/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://tp-images-cdn.tp-global.net/product/36525/panel/1/color/01/paper/2/width/740/height/560undefined/1.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">**the above cards can be found on the Tiny Prints site**</span></div>
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Tiny prints has so many great options, it's going to be hard narrowing it down to just one. Luckily they make the ordering process pretty easy and stress-free. And they have some pretty great promotional offers now and again... like this one for <b>20% off your card order (of $149 or more) or 15% off (orders of $75 or more) </b>through November 16: <b>NOV20SW.</b><br />
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I'm also happy to announce that I will be giving away <b>$50 off your total order (expires 12/14/2012 – no extensions, cannot be used with any other offer) </b>to one lucky recipient. The giveaway will end <b>November 11</b>. You can submit one entry per day, by answering that given day's prompt and leaving a comment on this post. For today,<b> visit the Tiny Prints site and tell me your favorite card</b>!
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0ddb340/" id="rc-0ddb340" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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</div>
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The only think I have left to worry about is choosing some good pictures of our family to use. I'm <i>pretty</i> sure this one needs to be included in the card somewhere:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmjY59DSiYvuf5cuh2-aVJdV6E5NQPynk6-ydD2JYbPihPtA0K63tpko4rE1LARb2MNN4gi68tIP0iLXVDwyE4CJ3zb2WdoiBhICNSJ9ujQFPjQeEfaHB-hnK0YSj_5Yv9SyFx_8IkEVQ/s1600/IMG_2236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmjY59DSiYvuf5cuh2-aVJdV6E5NQPynk6-ydD2JYbPihPtA0K63tpko4rE1LARb2MNN4gi68tIP0iLXVDwyE4CJ3zb2WdoiBhICNSJ9ujQFPjQeEfaHB-hnK0YSj_5Yv9SyFx_8IkEVQ/s1600/IMG_2236.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Also, can you believe we only have two weeks until Turkey Day, and only 47 days until Christmas?? Yikes!<br />
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**This is a sponsored post by Tiny Prints. I am receiving compensation by posting a review of their products on my blog. However, the thoughts and opinions stated here are my own.e.louise {Liz}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08336851134550186241noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756041376948033241.post-29882102175627781532012-11-06T16:01:00.002-06:002012-11-06T16:01:57.432-06:00October Photo Challenge {Recap}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Like last year, along with many other bloggers/tweeters/instagramers, I participated in the <a href="http://ourwiredlives.com/">Our Wired Lives</a> <a href="http://ourwiredlives.com/2012octphotochallenge/">October Photography Challenge</a>. This year's prompts were:</div>
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<a href="http://ourwiredlives.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/October-Photo-Challenge1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ourwiredlives.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/October-Photo-Challenge1.gif" /></a></div>
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I posted my pictures via <a href="http://instagram.com/">instagram</a> (all my instagram photos are view-able <a href="http://web.stagram.com/n/_elouise/">here</a>):<br />
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<a href="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/dc1728560c3e11e297b922000a1c04ae_6.jpg"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/dc1728560c3e11e297b922000a1c04ae_6.jpg" /></a><a href="http://distilleryimage8.s3.amazonaws.com/01ba919e0cd811e2ac8422000a1de2a2_6.jpg"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://distilleryimage8.s3.amazonaws.com/01ba919e0cd811e2ac8422000a1de2a2_6.jpg" /></a><a href="http://distilleryimage11.s3.amazonaws.com/a4f22ad60db211e2ac8422000a1de2a2_6.jpg"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://distilleryimage11.s3.amazonaws.com/a4f22ad60db211e2ac8422000a1de2a2_6.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/2cb895920f4b11e2a57122000a1fc2c9_6.jpg"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/2cb895920f4b11e2a57122000a1fc2c9_6.jpg" /></a><a href="http://distilleryimage2.s3.amazonaws.com/674e352a0f3e11e28ce622000a1e880e_6.jpg"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://distilleryimage2.s3.amazonaws.com/674e352a0f3e11e28ce622000a1e880e_6.jpg" /></a><a href="http://distilleryimage2.s3.amazonaws.com/0447b876115411e2976e22000a1fbc8d_6.jpg"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://distilleryimage2.s3.amazonaws.com/0447b876115411e2976e22000a1fbc8d_6.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://distilleryimage0.s3.amazonaws.com/9a62d8a4121211e2862522000a1f9c96_6.jpg"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://distilleryimage0.s3.amazonaws.com/9a62d8a4121211e2862522000a1f9c96_6.jpg" /></a><a href="http://distilleryimage3.s3.amazonaws.com/92c04326123911e2ba8122000a1d0365_6.jpg"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://distilleryimage3.s3.amazonaws.com/92c04326123911e2ba8122000a1d0365_6.jpg" /></a><a href="http://distilleryimage7.s3.amazonaws.com/dff36c3e14ca11e2aee522000a1e8ab8_6.jpg"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://distilleryimage7.s3.amazonaws.com/dff36c3e14ca11e2aee522000a1e8ab8_6.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://distilleryimage9.s3.amazonaws.com/f41b465a154c11e28c8422000a1de7be_6.jpg"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://distilleryimage9.s3.amazonaws.com/f41b465a154c11e28c8422000a1de7be_6.jpg" /></a><a href="http://distilleryimage9.s3.amazonaws.com/6866151e16ea11e2b60722000a9f09f0_6.jpg"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://distilleryimage9.s3.amazonaws.com/6866151e16ea11e2b60722000a9f09f0_6.jpg" /></a><a href="http://distilleryimage11.s3.amazonaws.com/324e676a199211e2bacf1231381b7928_6.jpg"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://distilleryimage11.s3.amazonaws.com/324e676a199211e2bacf1231381b7928_6.jpg" /></a></div>
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Days 1-12</div>
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Days 15, 16, 20</div>
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Days 24, 25, 27</div>
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Day 30</div>
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I didn't get a picture for every prompt, but I'm pretty happy that I completed <i>almost</i> 3/4 of them...(and they were not all pictures of dogs and coffee). </div>
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The last portion of the month was happily interrupted by a week long adventure in New York (which is captured in a few of the pictures) and my 3rd wedding anniversary with my husband :) Time is flying by- I cannot believe 2012 is almost over!!</div>
e.louise {Liz}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08336851134550186241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756041376948033241.post-62482510941793688272012-10-10T09:47:00.000-05:002012-10-10T09:47:03.504-05:00Zara HomeI'm late on this boat, but have you seen Zara's new site, <a href="http://www.zarahome.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/home/zarahomeus/-15/80279977">Zara Home</a>? I'll be honest, I wasn't impressed with a majority of the items (I know I am probably the minority here), but there were a few items that I feel I absolutely need:<br />
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<a href="http://www.zarahome.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/zarahomeus/-15/80279977/371552/1694001/Matilde%2BDinnerware">Matilde Dinnerware:</a><br />
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<a height="300" href="http://static.zarahome.net/8/photos/2012/I/4/1/b/2833/000/999/BH/CO/2833000999_1_1_2.jpg?timestamp=1346261027447" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://static.zarahome.net/8/photos/2012/I/4/1/b/2833/000/999/BH/CO/2833000999_1_1_2.jpg?timestamp=1346261027447" /></a></div>
Unfortunately, these plates are only sold in sets of 6. Otherwise I would definitely purchase at least one, maybe a few, to hang on my wall.<br />
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<a href="http://www.zarahome.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/zarahomeus/-15/80279977/371553/1047704/Horse%2BTumbler">Horse Tumbler:</a><br />
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<a href="http://static.zarahome.net/8/photos/2012/I/4/1/p/2725/401/800/2725401800_1_1_3.jpg?timestamp=1347977648247" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static.zarahome.net/8/photos/2012/I/4/1/p/2725/401/800/2725401800_1_1_3.jpg?timestamp=1347977648247" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.zarahome.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/zarahomeus/-15/80279977/371553/1035123/Melodia%2BTumbler">Melodia Tumbler:</a><br />
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<a href="http://static.zarahome.net/8/photos/2012/I/4/1/p/3003/401/990/3003401990_1_1_3.jpg?timestamp=1345544180356" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://static.zarahome.net/8/photos/2012/I/4/1/p/3003/401/990/3003401990_1_1_3.jpg?timestamp=1345544180356" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm pretty sure my husband needs to to be drinking his new found affection of scotch in one or both of these glasses. And I'm pretty sure I'm going to make that happen.<br />
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What are your thoughts on the new site? Overall, their tableware section was my favorite. I've never ordered from their clothing site, but it seems to appeal to me much more than their home site.<br />
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<br />e.louise {Liz}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08336851134550186241noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756041376948033241.post-6137039977465423642012-07-23T16:52:00.001-05:002012-07-23T16:52:31.603-05:00Wall Decor- Animal BustsThe living room is slowly (and I do mean slowly) coming together, but I hate the wall that is just below our stairwell. I have since replaced the black and white canvas picture with a canvas wedding picture, but it still looks very, very bare.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0iOqggldN7Dme3Dufo20_jnx7S0bVSRVZlN7vUDiFR3EiphNWP3uQPmRql70Rjc5UNZ0XVkNu8uA0IS2tx9w89k9lAV5tTzOZX45YN9SbuSvWR7yEY9pQrAf4iKRRalWBtMf4rA_gUbM/s1600/IMG_3781_1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0iOqggldN7Dme3Dufo20_jnx7S0bVSRVZlN7vUDiFR3EiphNWP3uQPmRql70Rjc5UNZ0XVkNu8uA0IS2tx9w89k9lAV5tTzOZX45YN9SbuSvWR7yEY9pQrAf4iKRRalWBtMf4rA_gUbM/s1600/IMG_3781_1.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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I originally wanted a collage of pictures/artwork, but thought it may be too much with the hanging mirrors that are on the wall above the stairs. Now that I've been living with a bare(ish) wall for a while, I've decided it needs more. </div>
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I have a few items that are part of an art collage in our study, but I think I'll just leave that one there (and take a picture so I can blog about it) instead of moving it to a different wall. This will give me an excuse to collect some new items to add to our new collage wall. And now that I've looked at the above picture again, I think I'm going to go with a solitary color scheme or maybe white with a few variations (like beige or grey) so that it doesn't feel too cluttered or overwhelming.<br />
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The first item I would like to add is an animal bust... I've wanted one for a while, especially after seeing the one in <a href="http://www.mintedlife.com/2011/06/01/dining-room-reveal/">Kelsey's</a> awesome dining room. This was further confirmed when I finally went into the new Z Gallerie in Austin. The only thing holding me back is my indecision!<br />
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Option 1: Ceramic. I should note that these are much smaller in person. I envisioned them to be a bit larger for some reason... <br />
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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="http://zgallerie.scene7.com/is/image/ZGallerie/hero/rhino-head-wall-plaque-12-160647445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://zgallerie.scene7.com/is/image/ZGallerie/hero/rhino-head-wall-plaque-12-160647445.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceramic Rhino Head || <a href="http://www.zgallerie.com/p-9621-rhino-head-wall-plaque-12.aspx">Z Gallerie</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Option 2: I love that it's abstract, but hate the color. Perhaps spray painted white? Although, I'm not sure how recycled cardboard would hold up under spray paint... (And also, I can't really see myself paying ~$50 for cardboard)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.urbanoutfitters.com/is/image/UrbanOutfitters/16511909_001_b?$detailMain$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images.urbanoutfitters.com/is/image/UrbanOutfitters/16511909_001_b?$detailMain$" style="cursor: move;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cardboard Deer Bust || <a href="http://images.urbanoutfitters.com/is/image/UrbanOutfitters/16511909_001_b?$detailMain$">Urban Outfitters</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Option 3: Resin Animal Busts. To be honest, these are my favorite, but I'm a little unsure of how the resin will actually look- I would like to avoid putting up something that looks plasticy or cheap, as doing so would definitely instigate questions from my husband about my decision to put one of these on our wall ;) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img0.etsystatic.com/003/0/6623816/il_570xN.356244184_pdxp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/003/0/6623816/il_570xN.356244184_pdxp.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Resin Rhino || <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/104323365/faux-taxidermy-rhino-head-wall-mount">Mahzerandvee</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/6623816/il_570xN.325835409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/6623816/il_570xN.325835409.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Resin Lion || <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/92920507/faux-taxidermy-lion-head-wall-decor">Mahzerandvee</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://img3.etsystatic.com/000/0/6774395/il_570xN.323732087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/000/0/6774395/il_570xN.323732087.jpg" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Resin Lion || <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/96123929/the-walter-white-resin-lion-head-resin">White Faux Taxidermy</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://img2.etsystatic.com/002/0/6774395/il_570xN.353456582_6dpq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img 0"="" height="500 border=" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/002/0/6774395/il_570xN.353456582_6dpq.jpg" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Resin Buffalo || <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/103576604/the-mellby-white-resin-bison-head">White Faux Taxidermy</a></td></tr>
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<b>ETA</b>: I'm not sure which one of these shops opened first (it appears the one cited in the first and second photos- based on their etsy shop opening time/sales history, but one them appears to be blatantly ripping off the other one's ideas/art/creations- a major pet peeve of mine.). For an even better example than the lions... see the wolf (<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/92921964/faux-taxidermy-full-size-wolf-head-wall">1</a>) and wolf (<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/96123524/the-lincoln-white-resin-wolf-head-resin">2</a>). I actually found the second shop first (confused yet?) and was *this close* to ordering from them on Friday, and then I found the first shop today. SO now I'm not sure what to do- what would you do? I don't really want to make assumptions about either shop, but it makes me very sad :/<br />
<br />These are pretty neat, but stray from my "all white" goal:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/5233013/il_570xN.329762329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/5233013/il_570xN.329762329.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wall Paper Deer || <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/38105901/order-magic-beans">Ruby's Lounge</a></td></tr>
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And of course, being a lover of all things DIY, I could always <a href="http://www.lilblueboo.com/2012/04/paper-mache-animal-heads-a-tutorial.html">paper mache my own</a> or create one from this <a href="http://www.chroniclebooks.com/blog/2009/02/19/chronicle-craft-sneak-peek-project-and-book-giveaway/">foam template</a>...e.louise {Liz}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08336851134550186241noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756041376948033241.post-86568406604475460612012-07-18T12:19:00.003-05:002012-07-18T12:22:58.146-05:00Food Around Austin- PapaloteA few weeks ago, X finally took me to a local spot for lunch that I've been wanting to try for a while. Of course he had eaten there before, so I had already heard how good it was. <a href="http://yumpapalote.com/">Papalote</a> is also owned/run by the same people that own another great restaurant we used to frequent- <a href="http://azultequila.com/">Azul Tequila</a>.
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The interior is really small, so I'm glad we went on a day that wasn't too crowded. The menu is amazing- it was so hard to narrow down my choices.
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We started out with chips + queso:<br />
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Mexi-coke and Jarritos- Mandarin (I thought the mandarin was really sweet, but I recently tried the pineapple and omg it was good!):
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I decided on two corn wrapped tacos: Pastor and Cecina:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Cecina- left, Pastor- right)</td></tr>
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The Pastor (pork in a special meat rub) was mixed with pineapple and cilantro. This was definitely my favorite of the two. The Cecina was spiced a little differently (I'm not sure how to describe it, but it tasted like an authentic Mexican street taco- yumm) and topped with goat cheese, sour cream, cabbage and refried beans.<br />
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X ordered the Pastor (right) and the Pescado y Las Brasas (left) corn wrapped tacos.<br />
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The pescado taco was tilapia topped with cabbage, goat cheese, avocado and chipolte sauce. He claims it was pretty good too :)<br />
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I'll probably get flogged for this in Austin... but I have to say that these tacos are so much better than ever popular Torchy's! I'm looking forward to going back to try some more.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Note: I did not get anything in return for writing this review about Papalote. </span>e.louise {Liz}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08336851134550186241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756041376948033241.post-56729378220385177822012-07-05T10:38:00.001-05:002012-07-05T11:16:30.589-05:0030 before 30- RevisitedI love starting lists of things I <i>should</i> do. It makes me feel productive, better about myself and my life. Accomplishing these goals is a whole different issue. Here are my 30 before 30 (which is happening next week- eep!) goals revisited:<br />
<ol>
<li>Finish the quilt I started sewing for my mom (like five years ago).</li>
<li><i>Create an outdoor space where my husband and I can go to relax.<b> </b></i></li>
<ul>
<li><i><b>almost 100% complete; start date: ~last summer</b></i></li>
</ul>
<li>Finish my wedding recaps.</li>
<li><i>Begin and stick to an exercise regiment.</i></li>
<ul>
<li><i> <b>attempting to train for a marathon; have finished two 5k races</b></i></li>
</ul>
<li>Be more optimistic, act more positively, and try my best to be a happier person.</li>
<li><i>Read a biography.</i></li>
<ul>
<li><i><b>Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks; Into the Wild</b> </i></li>
</ul>
<li>Take a camping trip and/or spend more time outdoors (when the temperature finally starts to go down, of course).</li>
<li><i>Become more organized (both at home and at work).</i></li>
<ul>
<li><i><b>finally <strike>purchased</strike> invested in a planner; created a better filing system at the office</b> </i></li>
</ul>
<li><i>Start the journey to becoming meds-free.</i></li>
<ul>
<li><i><b>started last summer; discussed/created timeline with rheumatologist during last visit</b> </i></li>
</ul>
<li>Eat healthier/ eat less red meat/ eat less processed food.</li>
<li>Eat more meals at home. </li>
<li><i>Become debt free.</i></li>
<ul>
<li><i><b> work in progress...</b></i></li>
</ul>
<li><i>Hang pictures of my husband and I in our house (we still don't have any up- I know. I know!)</i></li>
<ul>
<li><i><b>Pictures have been hung in our living room and study area</b> </i></li>
</ul>
<li>Stick to a regular blogging schedule.</li>
<li>Keep a journal or sketchbook.</li>
<li><i>Sew more, and get better at it.</i></li>
<ul>
<li><i><b>I'm not sure if I am necessarily a better seamstress, but I have taken on more sewing projects this year (compared to last year)</b></i><i> </i></li>
</ul>
<li>Learn to read sewing patterns, and become good at it. </li>
<li><i>Start a craft club.</i></li>
<ul>
<li><i><b>Held craft nights in the fall and winter- maybe make this a a seasonal thing?</b> </i></li>
</ul>
<li>Open an etsy/big cartel shop- even if it only has one item.</li>
<li><i>Disconnect from social media a few nights out of the week.</i></li>
<ul>
<li><i><b>I tend to do this on weekends</b> </i></li>
</ul>
<li>Outline my personal goals for the next 10 years.</li>
<li><i>Make a list of goals for my husband and myself, as a couple.</i></li>
<ul>
<li><i><b>We have started doing this every Janurary</b> </i></li>
</ul>
<li>Throw a dinner party.</li>
<li> <i>Celebrate a holiday at our house.</i></li>
<ul>
<li><i><b>We hosted Thanksgiving.</b> </i></li>
</ul>
<li><i>Spend more effort on my work attire and dress more professionally.</i></li>
<ul>
<li><i> <b>work in progress- started collecting items that can be used for work and mixed and matched</b></i></li>
</ul>
<li>Take more pictures of my husband and me together.</li>
<li><i>Create a substantial rainy day fund.</i></li>
<ul>
<li><i><b>work in progress- started regular contributions to an online savings account</b> </i></li>
</ul>
<li>Learn how to take better photographs.</li>
<li>Start an herb or vegetable garden</li>
<li><i>Start a compost pile.</i></li>
<ul>
<li><i><b>purchased a composter earlier this year and have quite a bit of dirt for future garden projects.</b></i></li>
</ul>
</ol>
So I finished about half of my goals in one year- not too horrible. Some of these items are constantly in the back of my mind, but I just haven't gotten around to them yet! It's amazing how quickly a year goes by.e.louise {Liz}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08336851134550186241noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756041376948033241.post-8957118547187404552012-07-03T09:11:00.000-05:002012-07-03T16:16:33.175-05:00Food Around Austin- Chicken + OystersFunny combination huh? A few weeks ago, my co-worker mentioned that he tried out <a href="http://lucysfriedchicken.com/">Lucy's Chicken</a>, and that they had great fried chicken and oysters. My husband is on a huge oyster kick, and I am not a big fan of sea food, so finding a place that serves something for both of us has been really hard to find.... until now :)<br />
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Lucy's is located in S. Austin in a little nook between Congress and Oltorf. It actually used to be the home of this great mexican food <a href="http://nuevaaustin.com/">restaurant</a> that served the BEST migas tacos and agua fresca. I'm really hoping they open a new location soon!<br />
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The indoor seating is limited, but there is plenty of space on the patio. We elected sit inside- I thought it was very quaint.<br />
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Of course my husband ordered raw oysters:<br />
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And I ordered a basket of fried chicken:<br />
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I can't say much for the oysters (my husband finished them, so I'm assuming they were good), but the fried chicken was awesome.<br />
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We ordered some salad and sides too:<br />
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I love the fact that they put okra and snap peas in the salad, but it was a little pricey IMO. <br />
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The cornbread dressing was so good. I would go back just for this!<br />
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Not shown are the smashed grilled potoatoes- smokey goodness with a little bit of a kick.<br />
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Watermelon 'Rita. Enough said. <br />
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And of course, you can't end a southern meal without some pie. We ordered one of the apple variety. <br />
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Yummm. This meal is definitely not of the healthy variety, but it was so satisfying.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Note: Lucy's Chicken does not know who I am and I did not get compensated in any form for writing my opinions of their restaurant. </span>e.louise {Liz}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08336851134550186241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756041376948033241.post-55869087308827052632012-07-02T09:29:00.002-05:002012-07-02T09:30:23.147-05:00End Tables Sighted + Other News<div style="text-align: left;">
I love seeing what other people do with furniture that I also happen to have. I found <a href="http://midcenturymodernlove.com/">this blog</a> through a quick google search, and look- those are my end tables!!! (And how awesome are the colors in this room- I love the lime green - teal combo).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://midcenturymodernlove.com/">mid-century MODERN LOVE</a></td></tr>
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Although one of mine is looking a tiny bit different now :) I'm finally putting on coats of polycrylic and polyurethane. (The difference between the two, I just learned). So I'm hoping, if it's not too humid this week, the coats will be dried, sanded, reapplied and one table will be complete. I am so excited about these tables, y'all. Even my husband likes it- despite the fact that he gave me a quizzical look when I tried to explain my vision.<br />
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In other news, my <a href="http://byelouise.blogspot.com/2011/08/around-house.html">patio renovation</a> is also nearing completion. Although, I'm beginning to think projects around my house are never truly complete- anyone else feel this way? Anyways, I have a few finishing touches I want to add- lighting, pillows + cushions, and maybe some more plants. Pictures of that will be appearing here soon. <br />
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Some girlfriends and I saw Magic Mike on Friday, haha I know, - at the <a href="http://drafthouse.com/austin">Drafthouse</a> of course. (I've become such a movie snob these days- I will ONLY watch movies there). True to form, they had some entertaining, prequel videos:<br />
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Classic SNL- great laughs for your Monday (ignore the fact that it's backwards....)<br />
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Don't Talk, Don't text....<br />
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Happy Monday all!e.louise {Liz}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08336851134550186241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756041376948033241.post-48690796403622069902012-06-26T09:29:00.002-05:002012-06-26T09:29:30.063-05:00Let's Talk PaintOn Sunday, I went to Lowe's (my favorite of the two big box hardware stores..) to look for some paint. It is for <a href="http://byelouise.blogspot.com/2012/06/gold-leaf-furniture-part-i.html">this</a> project, which is coming together quite nicely :) First I looked at the spray paint section, and was utterly disappointed by the lack of color options. I had really hoped that a hardware store would have a better selection of spray paint than Michael's, where I had also been to that day. Frustration settled in as I realized I would have to hand/brush paint this project if I wanted a decent color *sad face*. I finally narrowed my choices down and <span style="font-size: small;">picked </span>samples of Valsapar paint:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_94101-4-50108GYPSYTEAL_0__?productId=3331290">Gypsy Teal</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_94101-4-WV42007DANISHBLUE_0__?productId=3332462&Ntt=valspar+paint+samples">Danish Blue</a></td></tr>
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I sanded. I primed. I painted with the Danish Blue paint using my <a href="http://www.purdy.com/">purdy</a> brush. Meh. I loved the color, but I wasn't getting the evenness or color saturation like spray paint. I think the important factor here was the quality of the wood I was trying to paint- it is a plywood/oak (maybe?) consistency, which made every. brush stroke. visible. NOT the look I was going for...<br />
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On a second trip to Michael's, for some other craft supplies, I wandered over to the art supply section and was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon the mother load of spray paint:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.liquitex.com/spraypaint/">Liquitex</a></td></tr>
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I have used other paint products from Liquitex and love their quality, so I was quite happy to see that they 1) make spray paint and 2) that Michael's now carries it!! It's a little on the pricey side (as far as spray paint goes) at $12 a can, but with a Michael's coupon from my phone, it dropped it down to ~$7, which was a little easier to swallow. Plus I found a color I LOVE.<br />
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This paint is usually used by grafitti artists... but I decided to try it out on furniture anyways. My project is in the last stages of drying, but I'm hoping to give an updated with pictures of a COMPLETED PRODUCT later this week!!<br />
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</tbody></table>e.louise {Liz}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08336851134550186241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756041376948033241.post-70556602544431586972012-06-25T11:59:00.000-05:002012-06-25T12:01:36.060-05:00Food Around Austin- Donuts!So, one of my goals this year was to branch out of my food "comfort zone" (aka the usual spots my husband and I hit up), and check out some of the many new restaurants/eateries that are constantly popping up around town.<br />
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On Thursday, I met my sister after work at one of our favorite happy hour spots, <a href="http://www.opacoffeewine.com/coffee.html">Opa!</a>, but not before I picked up a few goodies from <a href="http://www.gourdoughs.com/">Gourdough's</a>, a donut food trailer nearby.<br />
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OMG I had no idea what I was missing out on! I picked up two Son of a Peach, a Miss Shortcake (my favorite), and a Sara's Joy. We ended up splitting the shortcake and one of the peach donuts during happy hour. I ate half of the Sara's Joy for breakfast on Friday, and there are still 1.5 donuts sitting in my fridge- how they made it through the weekend, I'm not sure.<br />
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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/AVvXsEjEesKwUwFymmXUHNOphqMye5QQB1zJGTjHZLoZUrkpHosAR3yCXH29yDXrncqTc8SAtvwXqDgNlLdhHJ_wTMjNfidU2yJAPfg9LAnfb1dA_DjCodPcwJSOTQpsTYe9FxuPYfQHm4z8a_90/s1600/2012-06-25+15%253A34%253A49+%252B0000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEesKwUwFymmXUHNOphqMye5QQB1zJGTjHZLoZUrkpHosAR3yCXH29yDXrncqTc8SAtvwXqDgNlLdhHJ_wTMjNfidU2yJAPfg9LAnfb1dA_DjCodPcwJSOTQpsTYe9FxuPYfQHm4z8a_90/s1600/2012-06-25+15%253A34%253A49+%252B0000" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gourdoughs.com/doughnuts/miss-shortcake/">Miss Shortcake</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b45s6qzJvYo/T-iFFkQ6QvI/AAAAAAAAFWQ/bEtsEs4tiOk/s1600/2012-06-25+15%253A34%253A31+%252B0000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gourdoughs.com/doughnuts-austin/son-of-a-peach/">Son of a Peach</a></td></tr>
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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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ef3JU-YvXMo/T-iFKXuLmcI/AAAAAAAAFVg/7_hWiPhWsZ8/s1600/2012-06-25+15%253A34%253A51+%252B0000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ef3JU-YvXMo/T-iFKXuLmcI/AAAAAAAAFVg/7_hWiPhWsZ8/s1600/2012-06-25+15%253A34%253A51+%252B0000" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sara's Joy</td></tr>
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Drooling yet? The donuts are fried before covered in fruity/coconut/chocolatey goodness. They reminded me of a less greasy funnel cake. I thought all of them were sweet, but not in an overpowering way. <br />
<br />
The donuts are about $5 a pop, but they are huge and definitely share worthy. I guarantee I will be returning here soon to try out some of the other flavors on there menu- I'm thinking the <a href="http://www.gourdoughs.com/doughnuts/mother-clucker/">Mother Clucker </a>and <a href="http://www.gourdoughs.com/doughnuts/flying-pig/">Flying Pig</a> will definitely be next, yummmm.<br />
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**Disclaimer: Gourdough's has no idea who I am and is not/will not/has not provided any monetary or foodiary gift in exchange for this review.<br />
<br />e.louise {Liz}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08336851134550186241noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756041376948033241.post-70038323254406692362012-06-21T16:13:00.001-05:002012-06-21T16:13:54.136-05:00Lessons learned in ChicagoTwo weeks ago, I made a little weekend trip to Chi-town to meet up with some <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/">friends</a> I have met around the internets. Pictures will be coming soon, but in the mean time... here's this:<br />
<br />
1. This is awesome, but ONLY if it's served on ice. Warm is no bueno.<br />
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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="http://www.smirnoff.com/media/180423/smir_fluffed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://www.smirnoff.com/media/180423/smir_fluffed.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.smirnoff.com/en-us/main/drinks/cocktails/#product">via</a></td></tr>
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2. If I drink red wine (or anything dark for that matter), I WILL spill it on myself and all over the place. Maybe on someone else too :P<br />
<br />
3. Larry Byrd will not give up his reserved table to a group of great looking women. No matter how awesome they are.<br />
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4. The <a href="http://photos.igougo.com/pictures-photos-p135107-the_Bean.html">bean</a> is a really,<i> really</i>, disgustingly dirty piece of art. They need to scrub that thing down.<br />
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5. There are many, many people in Chicago. This Texas girl was a little overwhelmed by that.<br />
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6. <a href="http://www.traderjoes.com/">Trader Joe's</a>- there are just no words to describe this place. I cannot wait until they arrive in Austin!<br />
<br />
7. Red velvet pancakes <i>are </i>as good as they sound.<br />
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8. I (not surprisingly) am continually amazed by the incredible women that are a part of this group. I am so blessed that I have been able to meet you and call you my friends :) Miss y'all! + can't wait for next year!e.louise {Liz}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08336851134550186241noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756041376948033241.post-20658136611180335272012-06-20T11:02:00.000-05:002012-06-20T11:03:40.039-05:00Gold Leaf + Furniture: Part II'm not sure when I decided that gold was such an awesome color to have on furniture. I used to think it was kind of tacky, and only belonged in stuffy estates. No more, I tell you!<br />
<br />
If you remember, <a href="http://byelouise.blogspot.com/2012/02/odds-ends.html">a while back</a>, I scored two awesome end tables on craigslist for $50 (I am still excited about this!!). Originally, I was going to paint them with a white or black lacquer. That was before our coffee table arrived and I discovered that the stains on the end tables + the coffee table top almost nearly matched. AND I loved it. There were only two problems: <b>1) </b>There was some damage on the table legs- nicks & scrapes- where the stain was uneven or coming off, so I really wanted to re-stain them; and this lead to problem <b>2) </b>The tops of the side tables are laminate, meaning I can't re-stain the tops (or I could try, but I don't think it would end up looking right). I really did not want to leave the tops as is, with a new coat of stain on the rest of the table... because that would probably look off too. <br />
<br />
For a while, I thought about painting the tops. Sort of an inverse of these (because I've found it nearly impossible to find any images of painted table tops, with wood stained bottoms):<br />
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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/AVvXsEibEch0Jf42ALAXjaKoax2T_4wEQWkpEvElnOQn1p_VqM_2_rlsGneYamL26JGSvZePjiYhEqeNbzEKD3c3umUytu9_Hp4fZWRaX2qKsN7jnr9P8sI_NfpJWj8JEgrMlpWNGwVc4cPjALU/s640/table1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEch0Jf42ALAXjaKoax2T_4wEQWkpEvElnOQn1p_VqM_2_rlsGneYamL26JGSvZePjiYhEqeNbzEKD3c3umUytu9_Hp4fZWRaX2qKsN7jnr9P8sI_NfpJWj8JEgrMlpWNGwVc4cPjALU/s1600/table1.jpg" width="450" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinkpostcard.blogspot.com/2012/05/james-coffee-table.html">Pink Postcard</a> via Pinterest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee503/Shaunna-PerfectlyImperfect/Furniture%20Reveals/buffet_after_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee503/Shaunna-PerfectlyImperfect/Furniture%20Reveals/buffet_after_2.jpg" width="450" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.perfectlyimperfectblog.com/2011/06/elegant-buffet-dining-room-scoop.html">Perfectly Imperfect</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/jillaubuchon/">Jill</a> on Pinterest</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://modgblog.presscdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/DSC_0006-680x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://modgblog.presscdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/DSC_0006-680x1024.jpg" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.modgblog.com/2010/11/11/planktons-supah-fly-nursery-where-rockstars-are-made-who-like-aqua/">Modg</a> via <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/gavins-winning-woodsy-nurseryn-138041">Apartment Therapy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Or, like this (ahem, after further googling, this was the ONLY image I found that depicts what I'm trying to accomplish):<br />
<br />
<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="http://www.rachelbishopdesigns.com/storage/CampaignCoffeeTable_After.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1329255633400" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.rachelbishopdesigns.com/storage/CampaignCoffeeTable_After.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1329255633400" width="450" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.rachelbishopdesigns.com/southern-exposure/2012/2/15/before-after-coffee-table.html">Rachel Bishop Designs</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Anyways, after deciding the end tables would be stained with some sort of painted top, I had to decide on a color. I didn't really like idea of a black, gray, or white top (it doesn't go with the overall look/feel of our <a href="http://byelouise.blogspot.com/2012/01/table-for-coffee.html">sofa</a> + coffee table). I was leaning toward a shade of blue or green, but as much as I love these brightly colored pieces:<br />
<br />
<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="http://c497280.r80.cf2.rackcdn.com/2011/07/peacock-blue-faux-bamboo-chest-with-curtain_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://c497280.r80.cf2.rackcdn.com/2011/07/peacock-blue-faux-bamboo-chest-with-curtain_thumb.jpg" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/07/my-bamboo-is-peacock-blue/">Centsational Girl</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/5769143/il_570xN.344109804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/5769143/il_570xN.344109804.jpg" width="450" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/housecandyla?ref=seller_info">House Candy L.A.</a> on etsy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/6609302/il_570xN.286379382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/6609302/il_570xN.286379382.jpg" width="450" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/NiceThingUK?ref=seller_info">Nice Thing</a> on etsy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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 border="0" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/6057975/il_fullxfull.270290804.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/youngandbroke?ref=seller_info">Young and Broke</a> on etsy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/5677273/il_570xN.339758909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/5677273/il_570xN.339758909.jpg" width="450" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(almost the exact same table!!) via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/minthome?ref=seller_info">Mint Home</a> on etsy<br />
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I wasn't sure I could commit to having such a dominant accent as a permanent fixture in our living space (even if it was <i>just</i> the table top I was painting). Decisions, decisions....e.louise {Liz}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08336851134550186241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756041376948033241.post-88245888588067104552012-06-19T10:55:00.000-05:002012-06-19T10:56:31.740-05:00Full CircleOnce upon a time, long ago, I started sewing curtains for our master bathroom. There used to be curtains hanging made from this fabric:<br />
<br />
<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="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0078/1482/files/jd15_almond-01.jpg?101941" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0078/1482/files/jd15_almond-01.jpg?101941" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joel Dewberry || Aviary-Sparrows (Almond)**</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I <i>love</i> this fabric in the fall (Joel Dewberry is one of my all time favorite fabric designers!!), but come spring it was a little too, um.... fallish? Great description, huh? I thought so too. So, thus began the search for new fabric(s).<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">**Note Bird is not as creepy in person </span></i><br />
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I ordered several yards of fabric in an array of blues and greens, with the intent of creating something like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKFL_y_ymQkCCwWlfV-JHVcxRpKnwKbOUO4vicdzMmrYId7GaFAWr4yFmU-mQ-lCPqxiKnGxDsExM2cDDFfgAfydhdDQxIBAebSSUxjcBeXC3z1mgcLnJG59vU7rrmUgJ7SmEuzC7StBp/s1600/2012-06-19+15%253A05%253A11+%252B0000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKFL_y_ymQkCCwWlfV-JHVcxRpKnwKbOUO4vicdzMmrYId7GaFAWr4yFmU-mQ-lCPqxiKnGxDsExM2cDDFfgAfydhdDQxIBAebSSUxjcBeXC3z1mgcLnJG59vU7rrmUgJ7SmEuzC7StBp/s400/2012-06-19+15%253A05%253A11+%252B0000" width="300" /></a></div>
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Turns out I was not patient enough to sew these strips into a cheveron pattern, and they became this instead:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDE5dY_zX6-Ku2eSus2VkwS7DfzGPbWiTFH2DzZUlIBq-gUsgrMOkdgtewt8RLF61XQQSqs6uKhDWGeOZhB7cLHby7cbsD3j7PR14XtS2WctT4F_74UuOjew5psz4eAJKwrNqJj7C3wTh/s1600/6171607765_abf29d4cb3_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDE5dY_zX6-Ku2eSus2VkwS7DfzGPbWiTFH2DzZUlIBq-gUsgrMOkdgtewt8RLF61XQQSqs6uKhDWGeOZhB7cLHby7cbsD3j7PR14XtS2WctT4F_74UuOjew5psz4eAJKwrNqJj7C3wTh/s1600/6171607765_abf29d4cb3_z.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
Then I found this great cheveron patterned home dec. fabric (from <a href="https://www.fabric.com/creativity-headquarters-free-pattern-downloads-mama-san-apron-premier-prints-home-decor-fabric-premier-prints-geometric-abstract-fabric-premier-prints-zigzag-village-blue-natural.aspx?cm_vc=756b1813-cbc1-43b3-84bd-29889bf8fb7b">here</a>), and decided I would sew that into curtains:<br />
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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://www.fabric.com/Webdata/Product/33e9dab5-1f58-404f-b34b-e470be5de0df/Images/Large_DC-320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://www.fabric.com/Webdata/Product/33e9dab5-1f58-404f-b34b-e470be5de0df/Images/Large_DC-320.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Premier Prints || ZigZag (Village Blue/Natural)</td></tr>
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I have one panel half way finished and hanging in the bathroom. I'm thinking that maybe I haven't finished sewing them because I've lost interest in this pattern and want something different (yet again).<br />
<br />
So today, while browsing through fabric online, I discovered that this <a href="https://www.fabric.com/Index.aspx">store</a> carries fabric by designer <a href="http://www.shopthomaspaul.com/Default.asp">Thomas Paul</a>. *Cue a chorus of angels*<br />
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I am seriously smitten with all of the furniture I've seen upholstered in this fabric. And today, I came across this <i>bird</i> yardage:<br />
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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://www.fabric.com/Webdata/Product/0c06b617-7e2a-4554-9610-09f1fb5943d5/Images/Large_UL-642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://www.fabric.com/Webdata/Product/0c06b617-7e2a-4554-9610-09f1fb5943d5/Images/Large_UL-642.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas Paul || Perch (lilac)</td></tr>
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Five minutes later, four yards of this fabric were in my shopping cart ready to checked out. Hopefully it will be on it's way to me soon!! Maybe some curtains <b>will</b> be hanging in the bathroom by next month :)<br />
<br />
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ETA: Oooh and I found a pic of what it looks like in action:<br />
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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="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/205547170462468735_f0231Byy_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/205547170462468735_f0231Byy_f.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lonnymag.com/issues/28-may-june-2011-issue/pages/1#p21">Lonny</a> || via <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/205547170462468735/">Dana</a> on Pinterest</td></tr>
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<br />e.louise {Liz}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08336851134550186241noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756041376948033241.post-49480655895672945952012-05-21T10:57:00.000-05:002012-05-21T10:57:54.954-05:00Some June GoalsI am horrible at planning and implementing goals. I usually make long lists of them, and then only get around to doing a handful. I think part of the problem is that I get incredibly overwhelmed by the big picture, so perhaps looking at things in a smaller version will help me get things done. I'm going to try one month at a time, and if that's too much... I guess I'll break it down week by week. Anyways, here is this months goals for moi:<br />
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<b>1.</b> Train for <a href="http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/san-antonio/event-details">this</a>. Training started yesterday, and I'm hoping to run at least 3 times a week to increase my endurance. (help!)<br />
<b>2.</b> Healthy Eating. Yeah, we eat horribly- a lot of which is dining out. This month's goal is to eat at home at least 4 days out of the week. I WILL put all of the recipes I've found on <a href="http://pinterest.com/_elouise/yummm/">pinterest</a> to good use.<br />
<b>3. </b>Organize the craft room. After a big project, this room looks like it's been hit by a tornado. I hate not being able to find anything, and there is entirely too much stuff in this room.<br />
<b>4.</b> Pending item 3, start a sewing a project. I have some fabric for dresses I've been wanting to make since last year. And then there's <a href="http://byelouise.blogspot.com/2012/05/trying-to-make-this-happen.html">this quilt</a> I need to get started on...<br />
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So that's four major goals for this month. I'm hoping by keeping this list short, I can stick to all of them :) Are there any life goals on your horizon?e.louise {Liz}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08336851134550186241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8756041376948033241.post-6718537932144799422012-05-15T10:03:00.001-05:002012-05-15T10:03:42.103-05:00Trying to make this happen:Applique + flower pattern:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/76301_mul_b?$redesign-zoom-5x$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/76301_mul_b?$redesign-zoom-5x$" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/76301.jsp">Orimono Pillow</a> via Anthro</td></tr>
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...in quilt form. I'm thinking pinks, oranges, and yellows (for a little girl that will be joining the world very, very soon). I love the colors in this fabric and I may use it as my inspiration. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hawthornethreads.com/images/dear_stella/300/dear_stella_house_designer_play_date_dotty_stripe_in_pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.hawthornethreads.com/images/dear_stella/300/dear_stella_house_designer_play_date_dotty_stripe_in_pink.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dear Stella/Play Date/Dotty Stripe- pink via <a href="http://www.hawthornethreads.com/fabric/designer/dear_stella_house_designer/play_date/dotty_stripe_in_pink">Hawthorne Threads</a></td></tr>
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Let the brainstorming & fabric selection commence!e.louise {Liz}http://www.blogger.com/profile/08336851134550186241noreply@blogger.com3