tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68580860163387078172024-03-18T01:01:58.514-06:00JOYS OF HOMEInspiration for the Joys of HomeJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15571487816552446985noreply@blogger.comBlogger676125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858086016338707817.post-82916388814601849252014-10-30T11:29:00.003-06:002014-10-30T11:29:48.103-06:00Spooooky Greetings<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b>Just Dropping By</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ba0jcoOf1dtCX8UOb6BoK6Y-vPnCtU9wzOTc2LN5JSB6FS7_5E3VZkatPhMPOMl25cv5PF4T1DQjsePBK9tYHUXl9cHDTMNaHD1Tn2B9JR34fbVZ299OqDlmlN1ISh6u1neNN8Edxmw/s1600/joysofhome+1087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ba0jcoOf1dtCX8UOb6BoK6Y-vPnCtU9wzOTc2LN5JSB6FS7_5E3VZkatPhMPOMl25cv5PF4T1DQjsePBK9tYHUXl9cHDTMNaHD1Tn2B9JR34fbVZ299OqDlmlN1ISh6u1neNN8Edxmw/s1600/joysofhome+1087.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b>With a </b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigTAtxkRVb4vkUUmIWPavL9wbt39IOjbXZJ3M-GEF1POeonZCWOFTAvqUvYgfWmKXEu4W75x1gm4bNCAA4PKAkq3vyfX3tatSs0LOiYBxmPjUWi5j3diMExoyQ9J5pZKcs8CR6-axsJxc/s1600/joysofhome+1088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigTAtxkRVb4vkUUmIWPavL9wbt39IOjbXZJ3M-GEF1POeonZCWOFTAvqUvYgfWmKXEu4W75x1gm4bNCAA4PKAkq3vyfX3tatSs0LOiYBxmPjUWi5j3diMExoyQ9J5pZKcs8CR6-axsJxc/s1600/joysofhome+1088.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Halloween </span><span style="color: #274e13;">"Hi!"</span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #274e13;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEalIGfzhdC-CzNjs7P2MIzwI2lhb0MjUDjdGUzw_ORPi4_GRM5oSE1gQAksR78fAn5cSOe6JkDbGfInHHAoIhd5asFZSeODo5X_MKRlo5DI3Is8Cnl_FhJ-Q_dJVhwCbn7yvoj-MWtE/s1600/joysofhome+1089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEalIGfzhdC-CzNjs7P2MIzwI2lhb0MjUDjdGUzw_ORPi4_GRM5oSE1gQAksR78fAn5cSOe6JkDbGfInHHAoIhd5asFZSeODo5X_MKRlo5DI3Is8Cnl_FhJ-Q_dJVhwCbn7yvoj-MWtE/s1600/joysofhome+1089.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hoping all your<span style="color: #b45f06;"> Tricks </span>turn into<span style="color: #b45f06;"> Treats!</span></span></div>
Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15571487816552446985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858086016338707817.post-44797049371457173342014-04-25T10:30:00.000-06:002014-04-25T10:31:34.280-06:00What's on My Table: Tulip Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I thought it might be </span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>fun</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">to occasionally share with you </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">what is gracing the top of my coffee table.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65G-nrMK3MAdz-ShX03_zR3sLBV0AaUA3Ul2lU4op-QbCkOV-4f1hK4tVZoFrastP08gz0dh4XbQqCKQrCAG-G1g18Q_bBZcxp4WjI1DbkPKSmYyspeSdlBWqov2MrXg0GRtdwZjtE8s/s1600/joysofhome+962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65G-nrMK3MAdz-ShX03_zR3sLBV0AaUA3Ul2lU4op-QbCkOV-4f1hK4tVZoFrastP08gz0dh4XbQqCKQrCAG-G1g18Q_bBZcxp4WjI1DbkPKSmYyspeSdlBWqov2MrXg0GRtdwZjtE8s/s1600/joysofhome+962.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's a spot I </span><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>enjoy</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> changing out often. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If I need a quick <span style="color: #741b47;"><b>pick-me-up</b></span> that's one of </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">the first places I'll decorate. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yet for many, coffee table accessorizing is a chore. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hopefully my quick and easy changes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> will <span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>inspire</b></span> you.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDojLFh24SIUgSyrtMhFG7iOID7IH4R4PJV6pUqS7mbkO8KCifVn-SJXQn1Kai2-l2RIIKBN-BocTvRh-ySp2ia-5tHsIGqo8NLILvvmD_NJ-y-zBEDpjs8f8wzkmfMP1W1JOm5sad20/s1600/joysofhome+961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDojLFh24SIUgSyrtMhFG7iOID7IH4R4PJV6pUqS7mbkO8KCifVn-SJXQn1Kai2-l2RIIKBN-BocTvRh-ySp2ia-5tHsIGqo8NLILvvmD_NJ-y-zBEDpjs8f8wzkmfMP1W1JOm5sad20/s1600/joysofhome+961.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIAZA6-SlXgplLhpr45CHxxi28iOSgNmIEBfyy41cus76ndld92G6ws9QbehKYGY_-YLDgcZqsw_Yv0USGN_qB0mq1kZhRvV42Ui0-L6cpeiF-0TtFRXM7kbDBhklIbu12gt7MffCYqI/s1600/joysofhome+963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIAZA6-SlXgplLhpr45CHxxi28iOSgNmIEBfyy41cus76ndld92G6ws9QbehKYGY_-YLDgcZqsw_Yv0USGN_qB0mq1kZhRvV42Ui0-L6cpeiF-0TtFRXM7kbDBhklIbu12gt7MffCYqI/s1600/joysofhome+963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I started with a pot of freshly planted <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>tulips</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> that I just dug up out of the ground so I could enjoy their beauty indoors. They were a bit top heavy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and even though I tried my best to tie them upright </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">they insisted on flopping over.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIAZA6-SlXgplLhpr45CHxxi28iOSgNmIEBfyy41cus76ndld92G6ws9QbehKYGY_-YLDgcZqsw_Yv0USGN_qB0mq1kZhRvV42Ui0-L6cpeiF-0TtFRXM7kbDBhklIbu12gt7MffCYqI/s1600/joysofhome+963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIAZA6-SlXgplLhpr45CHxxi28iOSgNmIEBfyy41cus76ndld92G6ws9QbehKYGY_-YLDgcZqsw_Yv0USGN_qB0mq1kZhRvV42Ui0-L6cpeiF-0TtFRXM7kbDBhklIbu12gt7MffCYqI/s1600/joysofhome+963.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I actually preferred their floppy, more relaxed appearance so I just added in a little </span><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>nest</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">to balance things and hide the dirt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then I finished things off with a, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">thrift store acquired, silver leaf and branch.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hX27XBHRupJ2l2RpPVmF7f7_qWsXuTs_ViXI6Coqx8KqNX4QxuB_cYDAa43PAjI-4fGqWV7RgjjIadB9MnYOTx9Lfvu3RlPV1mo3PXXJ1hWU-IDEh9HM1ROHXAOfng1xkJW9LGb5kco/s1600/joysofhome+965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hX27XBHRupJ2l2RpPVmF7f7_qWsXuTs_ViXI6Coqx8KqNX4QxuB_cYDAa43PAjI-4fGqWV7RgjjIadB9MnYOTx9Lfvu3RlPV1mo3PXXJ1hWU-IDEh9HM1ROHXAOfng1xkJW9LGb5kco/s1600/joysofhome+965.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was quick, easy, and cost next-to-nothing.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYoZiFvFcleWG0RYWscQorke4qOejhDkk9_z690atLt0S3MwxCdOJDiRaoDha1_MwH71QBRgiVVQSWyACH7nCzxiW9AR1SiYgcaDq8lk5y55bOA8Cf9tOs0R3fQtnGJQcgBNeo0W-CUGI/s1600/joysofhome+964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYoZiFvFcleWG0RYWscQorke4qOejhDkk9_z690atLt0S3MwxCdOJDiRaoDha1_MwH71QBRgiVVQSWyACH7nCzxiW9AR1SiYgcaDq8lk5y55bOA8Cf9tOs0R3fQtnGJQcgBNeo0W-CUGI/s1600/joysofhome+964.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;">I think it shouts, <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>"Springtime is Here!"</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
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Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15571487816552446985noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858086016338707817.post-25785817945413702732014-04-19T13:54:00.000-06:002014-04-19T14:08:04.996-06:00Dollar PomPom Garland<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have been feeling a little non-creative over the past several months, hence my lack of posts. I love to <span style="color: orange;"><b>create</b></span> and I have dearly missed that outlet so I challenged myself to do a little something creative everyday. To get back into the creative habit I started off easy.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVL3YZHVOo25D7Ip6jVS9knMzILcwgoWuUc2lNb0M_H0cUmR0kTkw1nnpsyzMNhjdSttVP6t5nPr1vzJyD1zdY2zJElXXya5MKUp8mHkhbzyL1X61Wfd7LFYAI5kdWNZFoYsuIqAHMY4/s1600/joysofhome+957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVL3YZHVOo25D7Ip6jVS9knMzILcwgoWuUc2lNb0M_H0cUmR0kTkw1nnpsyzMNhjdSttVP6t5nPr1vzJyD1zdY2zJElXXya5MKUp8mHkhbzyL1X61Wfd7LFYAI5kdWNZFoYsuIqAHMY4/s1600/joysofhome+957.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;">I purchased a few bags of </span><span style="color: lime; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><b>pompoms</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"> from the Dollar store and with some thin </span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><b>jute</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"> and a larger needle I created some cute and very inexpensive </span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><b>garland</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;">.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZ7Q5YjeTU5ltSlNYxsdlnK8axK03SlAAy_Qu55kL7tEZ1axL4DSs0McxXo553uMh-6lDbh3cWS5D9RsOAAGa9SGhQO0DAGWir1cOFX48eIgEfhfANqmL2l26EeISA9Y1n4OVV6QQUlg/s1600/joysofhome+959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZ7Q5YjeTU5ltSlNYxsdlnK8axK03SlAAy_Qu55kL7tEZ1axL4DSs0McxXo553uMh-6lDbh3cWS5D9RsOAAGa9SGhQO0DAGWir1cOFX48eIgEfhfANqmL2l26EeISA9Y1n4OVV6QQUlg/s1600/joysofhome+959.jpg" height="252" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It looks so <span style="color: magenta;"><b>sweet</b></span> on my Spring mantle. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjqqErTCoOCOxpou3vdoTA4pPe32JFD4V1dUs8VCcUtu0NtRKDkxD_58sfc6Vsr7uuTj0LFmkfskRVdPdaTTBGRxWlL-na9MJO789_5V1k18P0Clg6o49CDceOyKc0kNQ6dQ6q3REZ1c/s1600/joysofhome+958-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjqqErTCoOCOxpou3vdoTA4pPe32JFD4V1dUs8VCcUtu0NtRKDkxD_58sfc6Vsr7uuTj0LFmkfskRVdPdaTTBGRxWlL-na9MJO789_5V1k18P0Clg6o49CDceOyKc0kNQ6dQ6q3REZ1c/s1600/joysofhome+958-1.jpg" height="253" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I also made one with more vibrant colors </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">to use for the Summer.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArkYvbdqyCnp3nAuM0U_AHxOmGWjgHjqSmCyU3MRdJs86j0VXu3U9lPHRJeHW0ZXxX2BP-vFZAouPfy_UUZKmgDfp0O6vW2W_NooE8L2C-Oi0vKVVUc6orIrvCRlceIXhmfNoCAIfm_A/s1600/joysofhome+960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArkYvbdqyCnp3nAuM0U_AHxOmGWjgHjqSmCyU3MRdJs86j0VXu3U9lPHRJeHW0ZXxX2BP-vFZAouPfy_UUZKmgDfp0O6vW2W_NooE8L2C-Oi0vKVVUc6orIrvCRlceIXhmfNoCAIfm_A/s1600/joysofhome+960.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With a small investment of money and time, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was able to </span><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>freshen up</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">my creativity and my home.</span></div>
Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15571487816552446985noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858086016338707817.post-37479357901664606642014-02-14T12:31:00.000-07:002014-04-19T14:28:52.063-06:00Valentine Wishes<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Sending Heart-filled Love </span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Your Way.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtYyshsEp4yuAox0K1PF2xA7XyAxas8myDZmA5WACBXhIx9LyDw9tUlsuKjze9cz6IRN4n24XpVsHppM0w398kMZi0J6sLv9Lk_GKQmfdkBwp-wSkXbf3wYqW0YpsXjh0188401cxXVQ/s1600/joysofhome+947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtYyshsEp4yuAox0K1PF2xA7XyAxas8myDZmA5WACBXhIx9LyDw9tUlsuKjze9cz6IRN4n24XpVsHppM0w398kMZi0J6sLv9Lk_GKQmfdkBwp-wSkXbf3wYqW0YpsXjh0188401cxXVQ/s1600/joysofhome+947.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Happy Valentines Day</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">to My Sweet Friends.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Thank You for Your </span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Love and Support!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6858086016338707817" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></span></div>
Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15571487816552446985noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858086016338707817.post-57751520576840136442013-12-24T15:47:00.000-07:002014-04-19T14:29:33.940-06:00*GREETINGS*<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4S327UHBCZwdPu-tZSwkkWH_GpgeI2evdrOECu5oN_q9Dba3FX0ur6hu0OTNFTDcVJWdTCHX9kz5xjPENEdvbn_1iu1ycnFgazcIaagDjUmCH5lfeJjSRqHVOcRWfxpXk02Dn1ONf6Nc/s1600/joysofhome+942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4S327UHBCZwdPu-tZSwkkWH_GpgeI2evdrOECu5oN_q9Dba3FX0ur6hu0OTNFTDcVJWdTCHX9kz5xjPENEdvbn_1iu1ycnFgazcIaagDjUmCH5lfeJjSRqHVOcRWfxpXk02Dn1ONf6Nc/s400/joysofhome+942.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">From <span style="color: red;"><b>Our House</b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6atOjvPN_bj_JHx8xDE_UkgFNZqW_eNczCKfdeJzE_zhPtocsXUvdHXuBXB-71EONzJAHG5xrDHHqvvd47l5qUn70wES_tf9HhfDcR5xcdo_8qNPxbH5yZhcGNce5ArKp33KVBueoTM/s1600/joysofhome+941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6atOjvPN_bj_JHx8xDE_UkgFNZqW_eNczCKfdeJzE_zhPtocsXUvdHXuBXB-71EONzJAHG5xrDHHqvvd47l5qUn70wES_tf9HhfDcR5xcdo_8qNPxbH5yZhcGNce5ArKp33KVBueoTM/s400/joysofhome+941.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">To Yours</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMT4P7UhP_PyGIS14JBjh4uJCvHy2P195BaxpV8h9Y_kUDyZnNlASuQae5o9OBo6H75QZL3Y3NH8eFSUWuD8acEf_OYtyk-auOIBm7T21-1xareBqa3h5h5FbPoqHv_LTSuUVB5ydzvQw/s1600/joysofhome+932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMT4P7UhP_PyGIS14JBjh4uJCvHy2P195BaxpV8h9Y_kUDyZnNlASuQae5o9OBo6H75QZL3Y3NH8eFSUWuD8acEf_OYtyk-auOIBm7T21-1xareBqa3h5h5FbPoqHv_LTSuUVB5ydzvQw/s400/joysofhome+932.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We wish you a</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-2M1spPn12rrqUUi1PmxtnkK66Qm-3oarre0-JawttJxEcPofhNHTc88eujxMlTMKAs_cqskN86H7nWiLYWtNwCu0t5wJB0EZp1OnYIVtgAx15Zc5mUQfFdmDjOtvI5JBr_Pnc2omPE/s1600/joysofhome+938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-2M1spPn12rrqUUi1PmxtnkK66Qm-3oarre0-JawttJxEcPofhNHTc88eujxMlTMKAs_cqskN86H7nWiLYWtNwCu0t5wJB0EZp1OnYIVtgAx15Zc5mUQfFdmDjOtvI5JBr_Pnc2omPE/s400/joysofhome+938.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Happy Christmas</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpUWQvty-WapC97TqMcO9CJtJmrda0SgzRgIxDkDH08Ezq0Hm0tdn2Kstqtx5H6Sk45cZa8SkhuAN9NYS_M0KQS19PxgPS78hpHf2kDK8JqaLGa10VDraIgX7DERIhNicmwGDSbY_nxk/s1600/joysofhome+935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpUWQvty-WapC97TqMcO9CJtJmrda0SgzRgIxDkDH08Ezq0Hm0tdn2Kstqtx5H6Sk45cZa8SkhuAN9NYS_M0KQS19PxgPS78hpHf2kDK8JqaLGa10VDraIgX7DERIhNicmwGDSbY_nxk/s400/joysofhome+935.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">and a</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaC88lk-lhPVM3WnQ3v_Bto3kCwxpWJIu_A1OklTo6tDQpl6THJ2PmmlZMQIY0iX_KlFqiogd72-ih4EMTiSznl4_FGXfvWMAxRhq9QJs6RvWzh9KXl-pRiuMPuTQNWkbOoIrwckhmm4M/s1600/joysofhome+933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaC88lk-lhPVM3WnQ3v_Bto3kCwxpWJIu_A1OklTo6tDQpl6THJ2PmmlZMQIY0iX_KlFqiogd72-ih4EMTiSznl4_FGXfvWMAxRhq9QJs6RvWzh9KXl-pRiuMPuTQNWkbOoIrwckhmm4M/s400/joysofhome+933.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Joyous New Year!</b></span></div>
Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15571487816552446985noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858086016338707817.post-59283520255963292032013-11-26T11:00:00.000-07:002013-11-26T11:06:38.036-07:00Tell The People<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>My sweet momma</b></span> is 87 years old and has Alzheimer's. It is a terrible disease that has taken away much of the person she once was. Yet there is much of her personality still intact. One day I asked her how old she was. She answered that she didn't know, so I followed up by asking how old she thought she was.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">"I don't know.....twenty?" </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Her reply made me smile, after</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> all, don't we all feel like we're still twenty down deep inside.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">On another occasion when I asked her age, and again she had no idea, I told her how long she had lived and that she had <span style="color: #45818e;"><b>a wonderful life</b></span>. Then I asked, "Have you done everything you wanted to do?" She quietly shook her head. "What more would you like to do, momma?" Her answer touched me deeply and has rested on my heart, "<span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tell the people I love them</b></span>." Wise words from a wise woman.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBjOQNYWpYobdvGa_WoYCldCnngCCB9u3hUwu-AtiE_ZogGvtNFrzrsCq5r2fGjiKys7N7iICFqemvUBzYPgXF-3AA3XiTQazOvETCoRmIpRg8P0de-K2rGHzRqPhlO7NTp8Bxo_t0Mg/s1600/joysofhome+931-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBjOQNYWpYobdvGa_WoYCldCnngCCB9u3hUwu-AtiE_ZogGvtNFrzrsCq5r2fGjiKys7N7iICFqemvUBzYPgXF-3AA3XiTQazOvETCoRmIpRg8P0de-K2rGHzRqPhlO7NTp8Bxo_t0Mg/s400/joysofhome+931-1.jpg" width="386" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The past few years have instilled upon me some very important lessons: Life is a very precious and fleeting thing. We can't take it for granted. Each and every day is <span style="color: #0c343d;"><b>truly a blessing</b></span>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">As we gather with family and friends this holiday season I hope we can all honor my dear momma's wish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Have a Memorable Thanksgiving</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">and Don't Forget to</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> <span style="color: #990000;"><b>Tell the People You Love Them</b></span>.</span></div>
Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15571487816552446985noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858086016338707817.post-39139442162156343942013-11-21T07:00:00.000-07:002014-04-19T14:30:11.593-06:00Spray Paint Crush<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">It is a well known fact that I have a <b><span style="color: blue;">deep and abiding love</span></b> for spray paint. I have noticed over the years that I go through phases where I latch onto a color and <span style="color: red;"><b>obsess</b></span> over it---much like a tween girl with a crush on the cutest boy in middle-school.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxXYcc1k5kqlTCcsSF9tnvSkzn-Sj13vKA87Kjx-V_c98ogcHSP7Cz2mnarO8THH9ufm9d2i8zBSximmk18fAiPRKquzjyRXScpSlAokHVIvl_4J8lsTyo95Fa-QZ4DUbAHYIYVVc6nw/s1600/joysofhome+924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxXYcc1k5kqlTCcsSF9tnvSkzn-Sj13vKA87Kjx-V_c98ogcHSP7Cz2mnarO8THH9ufm9d2i8zBSximmk18fAiPRKquzjyRXScpSlAokHVIvl_4J8lsTyo95Fa-QZ4DUbAHYIYVVc6nw/s640/joysofhome+924.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Lately I've been crushing on <span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>metallic gold</b></span>. I am loving that pretty yellow shimmer that reflects the fall light.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Gold is popping up in all of my holiday and home decor.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNk24xDnA01bs-yagB641M3ArMwAkoGsoNcfEOX1NjY8g3cdKcNXwX40b9fn7NHdwBBEE4TyJpBTb09xe9hljCSwF9PaKabEnEGdMb5E9B3JZb43cqWnR418THQzJgNZD5QAGBVPa660o/s1600/joysofhome+923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNk24xDnA01bs-yagB641M3ArMwAkoGsoNcfEOX1NjY8g3cdKcNXwX40b9fn7NHdwBBEE4TyJpBTb09xe9hljCSwF9PaKabEnEGdMb5E9B3JZb43cqWnR418THQzJgNZD5QAGBVPa660o/s400/joysofhome+923.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">From gold spiders at Halloween to gold branches on the <span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>autumn mantle</b></span>. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdeqFJUJTKtaEKQsWRMymrQMv3PioEqEREoW7iMKbncTqoDrpEFqk20ELz2V6ci2mC1cOhCD9KWzsCNCF_cLenxWQyaaCOI8j-qqmYfPMjnbqDGV2I25ush3KBiLQnyz8LGWbx892GNA/s1600/joysofhome+921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdeqFJUJTKtaEKQsWRMymrQMv3PioEqEREoW7iMKbncTqoDrpEFqk20ELz2V6ci2mC1cOhCD9KWzsCNCF_cLenxWQyaaCOI8j-qqmYfPMjnbqDGV2I25ush3KBiLQnyz8LGWbx892GNA/s640/joysofhome+921.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I've painted a forlorn turkey and some antlers.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVQQtVG-If6d7VkD9hSoxaT2Nkwp-g0WupbdAIE3L_SA05gwQr0N8I0JnMWmxkbjG4iAauOrER31hkVWZcLkkfLEFg99JW7wjB2TkHx2iYZC12LZcZ4BxHokWpi9Np7W9JVS1VAbGbno/s1600/joysofhome+922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVQQtVG-If6d7VkD9hSoxaT2Nkwp-g0WupbdAIE3L_SA05gwQr0N8I0JnMWmxkbjG4iAauOrER31hkVWZcLkkfLEFg99JW7wjB2TkHx2iYZC12LZcZ4BxHokWpi9Np7W9JVS1VAbGbno/s400/joysofhome+922.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">It seems that I can't find enough odds and ends to give a touch of glitz.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> I'm twitterpated with gold and I'm certain this crush will continue on through the Christmas and New Year's.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Do you have a <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">spray paint crush</span></b>?</span>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15571487816552446985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858086016338707817.post-22821784279621131512013-11-19T07:00:00.000-07:002014-04-19T14:30:52.843-06:00No Turkey Mantle<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know many people start their Christmas decorating in November, however, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love <span style="color: #e69138;"><b>celebrating Thanksgiving</b></span>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I enjoy spending a month concentrating on </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">giving thanks </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">acknowledging my <span style="color: #45818e;"><b>blessings</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Thanksgiving </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;">is one of my most favorite holidays! I relish in decorating for turkey day.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;"> This year </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;">I decided to forgo the traditional turkeys in my fireplace decor, replacing them with <span style="color: #999999;"><b>mercury glass</b></span> owls that I picked up on clearance. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvlGeg59Mamxi8xlrVSBbooubiiNwMPVhk6SbJqGrPnhIMUXuqOgMNEAZ3tLMF7eh9mTbs5h41Uvt9KxvF-2-c9MjKNmUqOUyjMqD2XrADGfqakj4shAynGsNIwAanKLV4dRrELG1dQ4/s1600/joysofhome+926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvlGeg59Mamxi8xlrVSBbooubiiNwMPVhk6SbJqGrPnhIMUXuqOgMNEAZ3tLMF7eh9mTbs5h41Uvt9KxvF-2-c9MjKNmUqOUyjMqD2XrADGfqakj4shAynGsNIwAanKLV4dRrELG1dQ4/s400/joysofhome+926.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I used the same pumpkins and mercury glass candlesticks that were on my mantle for Halloween, changing out the </span><a href="http://joysofhome.blogspot.com/2013/10/im-baaaaaaack.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>black garland</b></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">with </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>fall leaves</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then I threw in some touches of gold. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPWt39AKuMFoz9FdcDAVSL3jfRh0wYLAhIMPOY1_t6Q5_R7R9xJ78dcjtKL4yEzGFbHPrdJAF9SQ2DSPJYBex2cY1LbTxUE2KeGDmA5XwSAre5O7Kg4QaLWOQxeHQV00080gQVBNzatE/s1600/joysofhome+928-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPWt39AKuMFoz9FdcDAVSL3jfRh0wYLAhIMPOY1_t6Q5_R7R9xJ78dcjtKL4yEzGFbHPrdJAF9SQ2DSPJYBex2cY1LbTxUE2KeGDmA5XwSAre5O7Kg4QaLWOQxeHQV00080gQVBNzatE/s640/joysofhome+928-1.jpg" height="452" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The </span><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>banner</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> was an easy DIY using burlap, jute, store bought stencils and spray on gold glitter.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6U7wMcf5uLKIj16sLx1zdqvG-fp-nPuwoMv49kZEFrIHWdzGDAltNIKLqhG4wYHfngtPv7vSRp47moxsXbQakbg7kA9mduSJyyJY73x-MWyjpkQSBmXfAinxkS3f6I1BhHSQywoDKc-A/s1600/joysofhome+927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6U7wMcf5uLKIj16sLx1zdqvG-fp-nPuwoMv49kZEFrIHWdzGDAltNIKLqhG4wYHfngtPv7vSRp47moxsXbQakbg7kA9mduSJyyJY73x-MWyjpkQSBmXfAinxkS3f6I1BhHSQywoDKc-A/s400/joysofhome+927.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have </span><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>much to be thankful</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> for and </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I count </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>YOU</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">, my blog friends, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">among my many blessings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have a blessed week!</span></div>
Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15571487816552446985noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858086016338707817.post-13536946789701931892013-11-12T10:00:00.000-07:002014-04-19T14:31:25.303-06:00Hot Drink Station<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Although Halloween is long gone, I thought I'd share this <span style="color: #e69138;"><b>simple and inexpensive</b></span> idea that can be used for all the cold winter months. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I wanted to do a little something special this year because </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I was so blessed to have ALL of my children and grandchildren here. I set up a <b><span style="color: #990000;">hot drink station</span></b> for my chilly trick-or-treaters to come home to, using items I purchased at the dollar store. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsV4h1LBK4CIonnuFN8oxTyXxV9RY37eYzKiu1ZCKGRtKKo4xL-3nblw4bNXEh85hel8y3RyUC8ER4BK8_4702aOHEsefA1_u3AMcyRPV_X6uAysFGlxnLO_HZZb9UQyMC1ujINiS2TBk/s1600/joysofhome+918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsV4h1LBK4CIonnuFN8oxTyXxV9RY37eYzKiu1ZCKGRtKKo4xL-3nblw4bNXEh85hel8y3RyUC8ER4BK8_4702aOHEsefA1_u3AMcyRPV_X6uAysFGlxnLO_HZZb9UQyMC1ujINiS2TBk/s400/joysofhome+918.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">There was a variety of drink packets to choose from: hot chocolate with marshmallows (with or without creamer), spiced apple cider, caramel apple, and cranberry apple. I corralled the drink choices, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">along with foam cups,</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> using white dishes on a <span style="color: #783f04;"><b>vintage copper tray</b></span>. I added a few <span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>sweet and salty treats</b></span>, also purchased at the dollar store. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iQyymDQWWVGVkSihI5lBJJdzS8VyuTM7oezUTORRQvhQZwqhtLy3WcBaLfkfl0o-eyfmAON4rFUSo_jyfP8CVj3vQaiix5irwXsbsMuK7DXED1OkT3ypOyyZPGBulJj0dhnFpYHx8z4/s1600/joysofhome+917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iQyymDQWWVGVkSihI5lBJJdzS8VyuTM7oezUTORRQvhQZwqhtLy3WcBaLfkfl0o-eyfmAON4rFUSo_jyfP8CVj3vQaiix5irwXsbsMuK7DXED1OkT3ypOyyZPGBulJj0dhnFpYHx8z4/s400/joysofhome+917.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">It only took a few minutes and a few dollars to set up a little treat station that made my family feel </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">extra special</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">. </span>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15571487816552446985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858086016338707817.post-48285849418473776492013-10-31T07:00:00.000-06:002013-10-31T07:00:02.325-06:00Happy Halloween<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">H<span style="color: #e69138;">a</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">P<span style="color: #e69138;">p</span>Y <span style="color: #e69138;">H</span>a<span style="color: #e69138;">U</span>n<span style="color: #e69138;">T</span>i<span style="color: #e69138;">N</span>g</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxfyb8_Gl7tteFOXsfYL6yXbYkCTYSRRjfvYyXi3rZkTWSMdVNCyj8WsJNoFlsYPgVVpkIgmFfNrHEDbt0qOMy3xBqqFH9ttTVApRtd4Ea2rYv59xX_5A-9YwhJUnEpBnhrurcZUknAI/s1600/joysofhome+911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxfyb8_Gl7tteFOXsfYL6yXbYkCTYSRRjfvYyXi3rZkTWSMdVNCyj8WsJNoFlsYPgVVpkIgmFfNrHEDbt0qOMy3xBqqFH9ttTVApRtd4Ea2rYv59xX_5A-9YwhJUnEpBnhrurcZUknAI/s640/joysofhome+911.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">to <span style="color: #e69138;"><b>You</b></span> and <b>Yours</b><span style="color: #e69138;"><b>!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLrS0djHCqSCj9sqltdnJufH5pJqLhoMP3PEwD2QJ_fTsXz-NTBF1QxEC12AV_Pg16neSYk33cogzi2ujdobHXFLHbIqgkVfhAW5nAyPk9BhIPIXU0p5pKkQO3BvoH_bwPvX32TZgyvc/s1600/joysofhome+910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLrS0djHCqSCj9sqltdnJufH5pJqLhoMP3PEwD2QJ_fTsXz-NTBF1QxEC12AV_Pg16neSYk33cogzi2ujdobHXFLHbIqgkVfhAW5nAyPk9BhIPIXU0p5pKkQO3BvoH_bwPvX32TZgyvc/s640/joysofhome+910.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></span></span></div>
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Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15571487816552446985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858086016338707817.post-36881211913315692892013-10-30T09:00:00.000-06:002013-10-30T09:00:06.631-06:00Lazy Fall Decorating<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">This year I decided to approach my Halloween decorating a little differently.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbm1C1J29ZFliwYpRCsKKbv-xE3y58LS2ULEkVg1vWvPISfKuRgcehQ9g99WTqfnZRoT-OPWhXi79D7LeOtHQRj3ClPcWKHaszV3sXbBRFBnsWDz7KHX30rTK3_KiIiR7Y4n8lLI-cFQ/s1600/joysofhome+906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbm1C1J29ZFliwYpRCsKKbv-xE3y58LS2ULEkVg1vWvPISfKuRgcehQ9g99WTqfnZRoT-OPWhXi79D7LeOtHQRj3ClPcWKHaszV3sXbBRFBnsWDz7KHX30rTK3_KiIiR7Y4n8lLI-cFQ/s640/joysofhome+906.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">For years I would spend an entire day (or two) hauling out and putting up all of my decorations for <span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Halloween</b></span>, then the days after the holiday I would put things away just to haul out and put up my <span style="color: #990000;"><b>Thanksgiving</b></span> decor. I noticed the past few years I would hit decorator <span style="color: #660000;"><b>burn-out</b></span> before December which made <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Christmas</b></span> decorating more of a chore than a pleasure. </span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmI0mb7KZR_aIt0glEdw4zfBNcXfbyIHSEYMTbQBPCdRK9TFcflZ2c7uPwHWLqCfKtFYlLb58MF_X3x_QCU1pv5tYOD1TL6yTHaRKvFy5uB4RrJQSMxWgnhrRfqMoSAKAbcwyReeEQAc/s1600/joysofhome+903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmI0mb7KZR_aIt0glEdw4zfBNcXfbyIHSEYMTbQBPCdRK9TFcflZ2c7uPwHWLqCfKtFYlLb58MF_X3x_QCU1pv5tYOD1TL6yTHaRKvFy5uB4RrJQSMxWgnhrRfqMoSAKAbcwyReeEQAc/s640/joysofhome+903.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">It made me sad to not enjoy the process of making my home pretty for all the holidays. So I decided to change things up and this year decorate for Halloween with Thanksgiving in mind. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlckveyGe5P5CxLOMZrY-Kt9Hr7U69346RoHLUp124mfBG4dtTq-KZHjOzcJHNzO0u_1Wb5aFNzF-VU79NEXYiqysXbwzCiB24tkjoSH9AwlzV6Aaqqr2hgBC2b5OagBLbP4lYNnJnks/s1600/joysofhome+904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlckveyGe5P5CxLOMZrY-Kt9Hr7U69346RoHLUp124mfBG4dtTq-KZHjOzcJHNzO0u_1Wb5aFNzF-VU79NEXYiqysXbwzCiB24tkjoSH9AwlzV6Aaqqr2hgBC2b5OagBLbP4lYNnJnks/s640/joysofhome+904.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">My dining room shelf will easily be transformed by simply removing the crows and gold spiders.</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NhQZULroo07n3Yg2BamIAlWOJOunttnZ0lh1iSEqUmMRZ7NNkNrwCdtr4ockB1vQbpI7xI3gctctN93NYdiWZMYJ9HeroYb2DOb9u2k8HMdtXXWm5APw1PgBRUPUzAEE9rxKg5mUaqQ/s1600/joysofhome+908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NhQZULroo07n3Yg2BamIAlWOJOunttnZ0lh1iSEqUmMRZ7NNkNrwCdtr4ockB1vQbpI7xI3gctctN93NYdiWZMYJ9HeroYb2DOb9u2k8HMdtXXWm5APw1PgBRUPUzAEE9rxKg5mUaqQ/s640/joysofhome+908.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">For a quick change I only need to ditch the spider and mouse in this sweet scene. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8yoyf8MNLx_4Flc3xhaWzoXnPjTY0PRv-RhK_C140sABQfljc2TRi4PjW77WYaJBtWyW_g5NsYPx-3AFF0ToL7MeUxPP4t8Fbj5_OqlVmJuAEB2fu0xsSvsUWG4mH-4SiRRo7IOrWHE/s1600/joysofhome+907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8yoyf8MNLx_4Flc3xhaWzoXnPjTY0PRv-RhK_C140sABQfljc2TRi4PjW77WYaJBtWyW_g5NsYPx-3AFF0ToL7MeUxPP4t8Fbj5_OqlVmJuAEB2fu0xsSvsUWG4mH-4SiRRo7IOrWHE/s640/joysofhome+907.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">And by removing the fuzzy little owl and the numbers on the pumpkin this vignette will show off through Thanksgiving day. With this</span><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b> lazy fall decorating idea</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> I find myself looking forward to decorating for the upcoming holidays. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Wishing you creative ways</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">to <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>ENJOY </b></span>holiday decorating</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">in your home!</span></div>
<br />Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15571487816552446985noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858086016338707817.post-37014083327204891512013-10-29T09:00:00.000-06:002013-10-29T09:00:04.805-06:00Fun Creepy Crawlies<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I think it's fun to have <span style="color: #666666;"><b>spiders</b></span> in the house this time of year...as long as they are the plastic variety. Here's a couple of ways I've used the <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>creepy crawlies</b></span> in my Halloween decorating.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnOW0pLuerQaywHrQjOlTc2d6IaFBHNtm2F3lsC4Fo9yC_YzmBKxzfCAYunZsSJlYkEUnOdt5335JOB6FIWdrellAwiUcSg2_3RmbYEBYp7KXl1iKHQHeWrmxrC13AoQz6rdFb48xHkc/s1600/joysofhome+913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnOW0pLuerQaywHrQjOlTc2d6IaFBHNtm2F3lsC4Fo9yC_YzmBKxzfCAYunZsSJlYkEUnOdt5335JOB6FIWdrellAwiUcSg2_3RmbYEBYp7KXl1iKHQHeWrmxrC13AoQz6rdFb48xHkc/s640/joysofhome+913.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">With a little hot glue attach a <span style="color: #073763;"><b>magnet</b></span> to the underside of the spider, let dry and arrange them in a line on the corners of the walls. They adhere to the metal corner where the sheetrock meets. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70Ht6_zeN-DlGsMSlRwrOPfGsPpzMjX_kwC6vK3mScNvbUxbEULLGvZzSPlacYAdw8c6758f66Si83mgxu31H1rTfw3KvsT-buIbpLrfULHNLR5kCbq4UQsJAS_Hb_qorv5t5oZtsln0/s1600/joysofhome+912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70Ht6_zeN-DlGsMSlRwrOPfGsPpzMjX_kwC6vK3mScNvbUxbEULLGvZzSPlacYAdw8c6758f66Si83mgxu31H1rTfw3KvsT-buIbpLrfULHNLR5kCbq4UQsJAS_Hb_qorv5t5oZtsln0/s640/joysofhome+912.jpg" width="270" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">Give ugly dollar store spiders a glam makeover using a little <span style="color: #bf9000;"><b>gold</b></span> spray paint.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRAcjuOOAjnNZFlg85_0S6D6k9cd9Xuix-_o_MRA_QVn0Jr7wZjlSRHocq9cUPYnp-9i99JugoRqVeiZoGiUnHha6JuE2Jt5sBomJY1xM1UI82kUq5cice_xJmRAUtJ720NkTxrUPMf68/s1600/joysofhome+902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRAcjuOOAjnNZFlg85_0S6D6k9cd9Xuix-_o_MRA_QVn0Jr7wZjlSRHocq9cUPYnp-9i99JugoRqVeiZoGiUnHha6JuE2Jt5sBomJY1xM1UI82kUq5cice_xJmRAUtJ720NkTxrUPMf68/s640/joysofhome+902.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="text-align: center;"> Added in among fall leaves they look <span style="color: #e69138;"><b>spooktacular!</b></span></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6QuLhC-BIr4WVfQHjfcujHEYWXkByKWiurwa1zUdrtyIqrRsZEUWqIGaZ1u99wjIXxFnbcc0s65J0VqeV89AcqYH4YG22Ud0sDjp9PEGHBcliFWPLUyrJu3h3mFmZ4pOwURsmFQ17UI/s1600/joysofhome+905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6QuLhC-BIr4WVfQHjfcujHEYWXkByKWiurwa1zUdrtyIqrRsZEUWqIGaZ1u99wjIXxFnbcc0s65J0VqeV89AcqYH4YG22Ud0sDjp9PEGHBcliFWPLUyrJu3h3mFmZ4pOwURsmFQ17UI/s640/joysofhome+905.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15571487816552446985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858086016338707817.post-4746175548092990012013-10-28T14:29:00.000-06:002013-10-29T10:07:53.005-06:00I'm Baaaaaaack!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Oh Goodness!</span> It seems that I took an unintentional hiatus from blogging. I've missed it and <b><span style="color: #741b47;">YOU</span></b>! But I just needed to let something go in order to focus on the needs of our family. I truly appreciate your concern and kindness. Thank you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">It only seems fitting that since I left three months ago with a mantle post that I should come back with one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88q3ee71bdeaLbZRj26v08YE_QBVkcqtm0Onans-CNH4ECLGguFMgYt8KjImjIrQbBLoE17p3cGoOIncRR3pzDaGIARony8AeqEIMs1HiEnp3I2RZSDLQUHAH2iJKZhMXfg5SVS4B6jk/s1600/joysofhome+914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88q3ee71bdeaLbZRj26v08YE_QBVkcqtm0Onans-CNH4ECLGguFMgYt8KjImjIrQbBLoE17p3cGoOIncRR3pzDaGIARony8AeqEIMs1HiEnp3I2RZSDLQUHAH2iJKZhMXfg5SVS4B6jk/s400/joysofhome+914.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> <span style="text-align: center;">Here's my <span style="color: #e69138;"><b>Halloween</b></span> mantle. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="text-align: center;">A bit more sparkly than <span style="color: #666666;"><b>spooky</b></span> but I still included a few <span style="color: #351c75;"><b>spiders</b></span> and a glam <span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>skeleton</b></span>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOeWIgANPf_r5C3k3Gqx4k274VoTl7nD-TYobNIIs5o_fv0CB6e60KDAl-lhSsMmRHzpe6sBTLK1aHCGD-wNT_VrQ3ObXdGxDT9ulf7Nh8ojhXn-IZQCJ8n2p8le9SV2PcSZW5TjPrlE/s1600/joysofhome+915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOeWIgANPf_r5C3k3Gqx4k274VoTl7nD-TYobNIIs5o_fv0CB6e60KDAl-lhSsMmRHzpe6sBTLK1aHCGD-wNT_VrQ3ObXdGxDT9ulf7Nh8ojhXn-IZQCJ8n2p8le9SV2PcSZW5TjPrlE/s640/joysofhome+915.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
<br />Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15571487816552446985noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858086016338707817.post-70983802041849163222013-07-03T23:30:00.000-06:002013-07-03T23:38:22.052-06:00God Bless The USA<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>H<span style="font-size: large;">appy Bi<span style="font-size: large;">rthd</span></span>ay </b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>America!</b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfZk22KKNcmwetVRKuZjUQr3wxXZHYLjZK4pqwO6c3Z1gulT3o1I8eyJt3Y2zhy-nzvfA-ZQOV49662LFakoUbL87836X6_JpPiTkVKqDoJS58qBSQ09mhWBGgnYCIJtS_RkyMHVATfo/s1600/joysofhome+881-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfZk22KKNcmwetVRKuZjUQr3wxXZHYLjZK4pqwO6c3Z1gulT3o1I8eyJt3Y2zhy-nzvfA-ZQOV49662LFakoUbL87836X6_JpPiTkVKqDoJS58qBSQ09mhWBGgnYCIJtS_RkyMHVATfo/s400/joysofhome+881-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></span></span><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeF_SunaB-qKlFB0PzbiZo9r8YP4bUJUDH0xS4wH7w3KYZZr9wMu7pNN6KTPrPfcPvE0FzO8_cEaMxKCUcJKhR4eOU7d7A04qA3sRNh1cQJcZMo8t5x6aFXRhiJsOTmJSQF-xxsfS5pw4/s1600/joysofhome+879.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeF_SunaB-qKlFB0PzbiZo9r8YP4bUJUDH0xS4wH7w3KYZZr9wMu7pNN6KTPrPfcPvE0FzO8_cEaMxKCUcJKhR4eOU7d7A04qA3sRNh1cQJcZMo8t5x6aFXRhiJsOTmJSQF-xxsfS5pw4/s400/joysofhome+879.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></div>
Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15571487816552446985noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858086016338707817.post-72424252928861609402013-06-21T06:30:00.000-06:002013-06-21T06:30:01.644-06:00Daily Bread is Peace of Mind<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My parents taught me the importance of hav<span style="font-size: large;">ing</span> a<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> storage of food</span>. <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our</span> <a href="http://www.lds.org/topics/food-storage?lang=eng"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">food storage</span></b></a> came in handy<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>when times were lean<span style="font-size: large;">. When I started my o<span style="font-size: large;">wn family I</span>, too, made sure to have a supply of extra food<span style="font-size: large;">. <span style="font-size: large;">It brought me</span> <span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>peace of mind</b></span></span> knowing tha<span style="font-size: large;">t I ha<span style="font-size: large;">d</span></span> food for my family in case of <span style="font-size: large;">financial difficulties or disaster. <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">However, <span style="font-size: large;">stor<span style="font-size: large;">ing</span> food</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">has it's</span> drawbacks<span style="font-size: large;">---<span style="font-size: large;">t<span style="font-size: large;">hrowing away outdated food <span style="font-size: large;">or storing food that family mem<span style="font-size: large;">bers <span style="font-size: large;">won't eat. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">A few years a<span style="font-size: large;">go I discovered the <a href="http://www.dailybread.com/"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">D</span></b></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.dailybread.com/"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">aily B</span></b></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.dailybread.com/"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">read <span style="font-size: large;">F</span>o</span></b></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.dailybread.com/"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">od <span style="font-size: large;">S</span>to</span></b></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.dailybread.com/"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">rag</span></b></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.dailybread.com/"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">e company</span></b></a>. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdXYFFGmke_WHr_EbCJZY6RyW2CBrb2gvBToV8quWAsuX7eqm8TY7CO3ULEKoqedtnhivZFOPOXW9fPsrQcCaZJYTup6sic2OoC1AbK-TddECLalSPdP0__9BzkKu-0uuN63wemdoXU0/s1600/joysofhome+740.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdXYFFGmke_WHr_EbCJZY6RyW2CBrb2gvBToV8quWAsuX7eqm8TY7CO3ULEKoqedtnhivZFOPOXW9fPsrQcCaZJYTup6sic2OoC1AbK-TddECLalSPdP0__9BzkKu-0uuN63wemdoXU0/s400/joysofhome+740.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">They <span style="font-size: large;">provide</span> high quality, fre<span style="font-size: large;">eze<span style="font-size: large;">-dried gourmet meals with a <b><span style="color: #bf9000;">25 year shelf<span style="font-size: large;">-</span>life</span></b>. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/dailybreadfoodstorage">D</a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/dailybreadfoodstorage"><span style="font-size: large;">aily</span> B</a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/dailybreadfoodstorage">read</a><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">meals contain quality ingredients<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> like</span> 100% natural meat, <span style="font-size: large;">real free<span style="font-size: large;">ze-drie<span style="font-size: large;">d eggs, and authentic <span style="font-size: large;">cheese. <span style="font-size: large;">There's a wide var<span style="font-size: large;">iety of great tasting entree<span style="font-size: large;">s. <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Honestly, <b><span style="color: #990000;">the meals are good!</span></b> My<span style="font-size: large;"> family</span> enjoys eating them<span style="font-size: large;">. And </span></span>I like <span style="font-size: large;">the fact that <span style="font-size: large;">our food storage will be good for 25 years<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">---n</span>o more thro<span style="font-size: large;">wing out exp<span style="font-size: large;">i<span style="font-size: large;">red food<span style="font-size: large;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another plus<span style="font-size: large;">---it's easy to store<span style="font-size: large;">! A</span> <span style="font-size: large;">one year supp<span style="font-size: large;">ly of food<span style="font-size: large;"> for my family looks like this:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFDC89uGe1uEpSHzGn8ObyFjITfEIhCiFqinZgnPqpDqtcHaojbOIPjzkQ-7QO2kDacAa52G7kHAWzbCge5wLnhUDgxtSZLt1myxtLzJctiY_EOGXx_HrdpVUwb_J17AmXQ7skoZRhLY/s1600/joysofhome+741-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFDC89uGe1uEpSHzGn8ObyFjITfEIhCiFqinZgnPqpDqtcHaojbOIPjzkQ-7QO2kDacAa52G7kHAWzbCge5wLnhUDgxtSZLt1myxtLzJctiY_EOGXx_HrdpVUwb_J17AmXQ7skoZRhLY/s400/joysofhome+741-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">It fits easily in my storage room but it's small enough that <span style="font-size: large;">it <span style="font-size: large;">could be stored under a bed.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">The food really does taste <span style="font-size: large;">delicious</span> and looks g<span style="font-size: large;">reat</span> too. This is what a<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">c</span>h<span style="font-size: large;">icken a la <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">k</span>ing with noodles meal looks li<span style="font-size: large;">ke before it's hydrated.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxKRqwRGqOuGtalKch9kfCYtZVG9g_5TadJQSP3kX3uspBfAbcwAyyPvkVbk4_VHOPIlN42v_3d_sE3qRf6793iJYqUUxxbB5bg-aL1MRXUwXKCptBMfNhyphenhyphen8aSr6vLVX5DWk5juKCjKw/s1600/joysofhome+870.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxKRqwRGqOuGtalKch9kfCYtZVG9g_5TadJQSP3kX3uspBfAbcwAyyPvkVbk4_VHOPIlN42v_3d_sE3qRf6793iJYqUUxxbB5bg-aL1MRXUwXKCptBMfNhyphenhyphen8aSr6vLVX5DWk5juKCjKw/s400/joysofhome+870.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">And this is what it looks like after add<span style="font-size: large;">ing</span> boiling water and sitting for a few minutes. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixacq162tv8BNEy4hCglkOCgCo47EQ8infBktA92YI2QF5NlTPryNLjNjLmoK_3iU9YOhlq3rcjorHGD2majg6YhaOlRKsKXB_p0Qo3um44aLb7mV7G_nTz60NGC0JVpqTnSR5QtLcMbk/s1600/joysofhome+874.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixacq162tv8BNEy4hCglkOCgCo47EQ8infBktA92YI2QF5NlTPryNLjNjLmoK_3iU9YOhlq3rcjorHGD2majg6YhaOlRKsKXB_p0Qo3um44aLb7mV7G_nTz60NGC0JVpqTnSR5QtLcMbk/s400/joysofhome+874.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you're interested in tasting a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/dailybreadfoodstorage">Daily Bread Food Storage</a> meal for yoursel<span style="font-size: large;">f <span style="font-size: large;">you can <b><span style="color: #134f5c;">email Matt</span></b> a<span style="font-size: large;">t</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>mattkarren<span style="font-size: large;"> at </span>dailybread<span style="font-size: large;"> dot </span>com. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">He's a terrific sales guy t<span style="font-size: large;">hat I know and trust. H</span>e can tell you a lot more about <a href="http://www.facebook.com/dailybreadfoodstorage"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Daily Bread Food Storage</span></b></a> and send you a <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">free sample</span></b>. <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Be sure to t</span>ell him <span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Joy</span></b> sent you!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SucxGz5PJwd_KO0aREEfpN-QwsKXCQOQSNOgFwZSNYoDsZI_Eg-ToAAlKLMeDHh71k4sPM-OkperLGXjy8xrIUlBxJxqwmgqOPhBjDBDia_mEEUJS46Up3Y_xuG6kNx4HEjzb2n3N_g/s1600/joysofhome+875.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SucxGz5PJwd_KO0aREEfpN-QwsKXCQOQSNOgFwZSNYoDsZI_Eg-ToAAlKLMeDHh71k4sPM-OkperLGXjy8xrIUlBxJxqwmgqOPhBjDBDia_mEEUJS46Up3Y_xuG6kNx4HEjzb2n3N_g/s400/joysofhome+875.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Disclai<span style="font-size: large;">mer: I was <span style="font-size: large;">NOT</span> paid by Daily B<span style="font-size: large;">read for this post<span style="font-size: large;">. The opinion is my own. This really is a product and a company I believe i<span style="font-size: large;">n!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SucxGz5PJwd_KO0aREEfpN-QwsKXCQOQSNOgFwZSNYoDsZI_Eg-ToAAlKLMeDHh71k4sPM-OkperLGXjy8xrIUlBxJxqwmgqOPhBjDBDia_mEEUJS46Up3Y_xuG6kNx4HEjzb2n3N_g/s1600/joysofhome+875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
<div style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Daily
Bread provides the highest quality food storage products and the best
overall value. We have a strong customer satisfaction track record.
Tens of thousands of people have chosen Daily Bread because it tastes
great, is easy to prepare, is convenient to store, has a 25-year
shelf-life and is affordably priced.<br />
<br />
- See more at: http://www.dailybread.com/index/daily-bread-difference#sthash.Um1tnxPQ.dpuf<br />
<div style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Daily
Bread provides the highest quality food storage products and the best
overall value. We have a strong customer satisfaction track record.
Tens of thousands of people have chosen Daily Bread because it tastes
great, is easy to prepare, is convenient to store, has a 25-year
shelf-life and is affordably priced.<br />
<br />
- See more at: http://www.dailybread.com/index/daily-bread-difference#sthash.Um1tnxPQ.dpuf<br />
<div style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Daily
Bread provides the highest quality food storage products and the best
overall value. We have a strong customer satisfaction track record.
Tens of thousands of people have chosen Daily Bread because it tastes
great, is easy to prepare, is convenient to store, has a 25-year
shelf-life and is affordably priced.<br />
<br />
- See more at: http://www.dailybread.com/index/daily-bread-difference#sthash.Um1tnxPQ.dpuf</div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15571487816552446985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858086016338707817.post-73644665031305934912013-06-18T06:30:00.000-06:002013-06-18T06:30:00.949-06:00Summer Craft Night<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">While <span style="font-size: large;">my daughter was in town</span></span> we had a <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>girls craft night</b> </span>with my daughter-in-law and a good friend of theirs. I<span style="font-size: large;">t was so fun to <span style="font-size: large;">share life stories, creativity<span style="font-size: large;">, laughs, a<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">nd</span> a bit of </span>ch<span style="font-size: large;">ocolate.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We made these cute </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">butterfly </span>mason jars</b> </span>that I first saw <a href="http://6thstreetdesignschool.blogspot.com/2013/04/diy-mason-jar-butterfly-terrarium.html">here</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicB1hkzO3_rZ2deGrMdl74Fk0WqkhiK31Q6_1D3pum4MmK2ig2Ky-z9qW7Y4x5_jyh-bO-9FKTyhfyB9eheb_x_dFuk3VGyEDyfuM26LdQuEt7XHUsfMRvavdSsbmwCsUlaxHKKXxUMo8/s1600/joysofhome+860-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicB1hkzO3_rZ2deGrMdl74Fk0WqkhiK31Q6_1D3pum4MmK2ig2Ky-z9qW7Y4x5_jyh-bO-9FKTyhfyB9eheb_x_dFuk3VGyEDyfuM26LdQuEt7XHUsfMRvavdSsbmwCsUlaxHKKXxUMo8/s400/joysofhome+860-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">The <span style="font-size: large;">sweet</span> <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">snow cone</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> garland</span></b> id<span style="font-size: large;">ea was found <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://creaturecomfortsblog.com/home/2012/06/05/diy-faux-snow-cone-party-garland-gift-embellishment.html">here</a> and will be <span style="font-size: large;">such a fun decoration</span> <span style="font-size: large;">through the summer months. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTNI8Fb9jnjpOU_hJcZjqM_5S5_ZM-Z8_sproYMlcQ7EwDCX715Gg7g1YqTRnjV2ncczic3aZApzAGjhsxU3VlVsIDzB0b-BZBNu_EiQRRK5yuVYuqC4JJi7EbvQOiNGaDR6yAw9jfX8/s1600/joysofhome+862-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTNI8Fb9jnjpOU_hJcZjqM_5S5_ZM-Z8_sproYMlcQ7EwDCX715Gg7g1YqTRnjV2ncczic3aZApzAGjhsxU3VlVsIDzB0b-BZBNu_EiQRRK5yuVYuqC4JJi7EbvQOiNGaDR6yAw9jfX8/s400/joysofhome+862-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then each of us made a <span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">patri</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">otic can</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">vas</span></b> using lots of red, white and blue paint and glitter.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihW4_JtY5jzt8-UjlKyxQuNaJoh4E1b5okLvIP-SrNG9YE1STiQrYzWBNekqtXWgXSVRWQvi_DPxkKV2FQStBSJj3fkTUfn29QAobOOOk7gDCdMa6dZPUJMiULAUtIVlljB5lUiqnHSqI/s1600/joysofhome+866-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihW4_JtY5jzt8-UjlKyxQuNaJoh4E1b5okLvIP-SrNG9YE1STiQrYzWBNekqtXWgXSVRWQvi_DPxkKV2FQStBSJj3fkTUfn29QAobOOOk7gDCdMa6dZPUJMiULAUtIVlljB5lUiqnHSqI/s400/joysofhome+866-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1d3HnBVGATHE5YMFMKYogg7f7RvZLmhG7oVnt8dFhsI5Nlv6nj68bPcPUXiwCDsMIT-GyuXY1PE2-a0jBHySAGCiXEPQr2ANsLUwNtCghTZTIdM6hnfW_8GFQD7OI3Lsp7G5F0z1A0Ow/s1600/joysofhome+867-1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1d3HnBVGATHE5YMFMKYogg7f7RvZLmhG7oVnt8dFhsI5Nlv6nj68bPcPUXiwCDsMIT-GyuXY1PE2-a0jBHySAGCiXEPQr2ANsLUwNtCghTZTIdM6hnfW_8GFQD7OI3Lsp7G5F0z1A0Ow/s400/joysofhome+867-1-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSctd_63VVyyJxo3EUfBdadvutVjvhFQy0RjtZQ1Q62XO9eaVd7twq8xdquu26g333nH1LBY18zsYNQxmxmMHS36AY5vxq5jcquBq48WiZDgA5fFPGdvj1uEk52AwTmNyuICi2pnkvXFE/s1600/joysofhome+863-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSctd_63VVyyJxo3EUfBdadvutVjvhFQy0RjtZQ1Q62XO9eaVd7twq8xdquu26g333nH1LBY18zsYNQxmxmMHS36AY5vxq5jcquBq48WiZDgA5fFPGdvj1uEk52AwTmNyuICi2pnkvXFE/s400/joysofhome+863-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamdd0jcVqGlRxTdiJV3sjs3H7Gt4C23eTfBKmWgplj5J6l67rUcY6WymbvMqADfkl6g4_7vHOH2h8MabaTcmMILwYMHsI4LDQzi3q4MH9VrSQUal6Z_a4_EPVpTIpAgNW0x27MfCqjx8/s1600/joysofhome+864-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamdd0jcVqGlRxTdiJV3sjs3H7Gt4C23eTfBKmWgplj5J6l67rUcY6WymbvMqADfkl6g4_7vHOH2h8MabaTcmMILwYMHsI4LDQzi3q4MH9VrSQUal6Z_a4_EPVpTIpAgNW0x27MfCqjx8/s400/joysofhome+864-1.jpg" width="340" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> It was an <b><span style="color: #134f5c;">enjoyabl</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">e evening</span></b> and I can't wait until we can do it ag<span style="font-size: large;">ain!</span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15571487816552446985noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858086016338707817.post-61574534992301623492013-06-04T06:00:00.000-06:002013-06-04T06:00:10.186-06:00Surrounded By Angels<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAdj8rTXr8Ip505gaQenKbSDsCC2YPtXApxkKlIAvvR6XEZ1Iop9EHDvNIXPvO8ImYxuz1FSCaBo33lh9CSscOjU8PdmyD-urGz6JTK0O2uv0bSst509ZFvAWYd2SpHJvyxk26T_ehHM/s1600/family+598.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I took a little blog break to spend time with family. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In particular, this new little one and his sister. </span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRGf2FAE8j3iPkA4ifuMJo26Qw_A5UEI7jETeskWKvKHXwbhtG_QDEHHDA0_L5ZheihMNJEy4SfvfAUtacJox7QPNPRAHqcrsb5abm4KfyYlsh_DFuboXe2E7DCo-xN_c3AWMiA10Uqo/s1600/family+589.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRGf2FAE8j3iPkA4ifuMJo26Qw_A5UEI7jETeskWKvKHXwbhtG_QDEHHDA0_L5ZheihMNJEy4SfvfAUtacJox7QPNPRAHqcrsb5abm4KfyYlsh_DFuboXe2E7DCo-xN_c3AWMiA10Uqo/s400/family+589.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAdj8rTXr8Ip505gaQenKbSDsCC2YPtXApxkKlIAvvR6XEZ1Iop9EHDvNIXPvO8ImYxuz1FSCaBo33lh9CSscOjU8PdmyD-urGz6JTK0O2uv0bSst509ZFvAWYd2SpHJvyxk26T_ehHM/s1600/family+598.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Meet my fourth grandchild and first grandson. He was born on April fools day. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">He is a sweet soul who loves to snuggle.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> When he was just one week old my daughter and I took him and his big sister to visit the cherry blossoms in D.C. (they live in a neighboring state).</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCAWxVeGJyrbkaMyQvDbHExlBUsQwPaoa0PSESfyQZEeXZwALTQLgc3HOmB7CMo6N8Pt_PQcbUczDCDRmaB1BPo7HxVJMj9H7SCkDVHMa28wVcV03Ajq-PnpFH5F7rxJ1x_BBygMXQyM/s1600/family+572.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCAWxVeGJyrbkaMyQvDbHExlBUsQwPaoa0PSESfyQZEeXZwALTQLgc3HOmB7CMo6N8Pt_PQcbUczDCDRmaB1BPo7HxVJMj9H7SCkDVHMa28wVcV03Ajq-PnpFH5F7rxJ1x_BBygMXQyM/s400/family+572.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <b> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We wanted to capture the memory with photos so I held him next to </span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">a branch brimming with blossoms.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAdj8rTXr8Ip505gaQenKbSDsCC2YPtXApxkKlIAvvR6XEZ1Iop9EHDvNIXPvO8ImYxuz1FSCaBo33lh9CSscOjU8PdmyD-urGz6JTK0O2uv0bSst509ZFvAWYd2SpHJvyxk26T_ehHM/s1600/family+598.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAdj8rTXr8Ip505gaQenKbSDsCC2YPtXApxkKlIAvvR6XEZ1Iop9EHDvNIXPvO8ImYxuz1FSCaBo33lh9CSscOjU8PdmyD-urGz6JTK0O2uv0bSst509ZFvAWYd2SpHJvyxk26T_ehHM/s400/family+598.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">He was as content as could be and kept sleeping. I began talking to him to see if I could get him to open his eyes. I asked him if he remembered seeing his Poppie---the name my husband chose to be called instead of grandpa. (This little guy was born just a few days past the year mark of my husband's passing.) As soon as I asked the question our sweet baby gave the biggest grin which just kept getting </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">bigger and bigger and lasted several seconds.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrL2GMAQcfs520lbJFHUR_Pnla3HF1aTuFtXNdRxhVDCT9I59WtsZa3iFf_Qga23EgIrNbx2S8MZADIrLaldWLAY0zEbmywRCtGjHv9i2ELnjPNsEQdGBFGZ6IQ2fjqikl6m1DHCWemC4/s1600/family+601.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrL2GMAQcfs520lbJFHUR_Pnla3HF1aTuFtXNdRxhVDCT9I59WtsZa3iFf_Qga23EgIrNbx2S8MZADIrLaldWLAY0zEbmywRCtGjHv9i2ELnjPNsEQdGBFGZ6IQ2fjqikl6m1DHCWemC4/s400/family+601.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zr3Kch-eqAdeOD0qfV9ykrxrOx0p0DDw5W0FKlu-DgNdq7xqDRJMy0I9c8h3_A6clTjG_6BeyWXFT8iTw5aRg53cE7CbCDe2sgeiANN7FqYXgC5eVOh-Xsts7MHs-HUKFoPQmSSvQ4I/s1600/family+602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zr3Kch-eqAdeOD0qfV9ykrxrOx0p0DDw5W0FKlu-DgNdq7xqDRJMy0I9c8h3_A6clTjG_6BeyWXFT8iTw5aRg53cE7CbCDe2sgeiANN7FqYXgC5eVOh-Xsts7MHs-HUKFoPQmSSvQ4I/s400/family+602.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTidIjSKpOyhOJprbUD38Xc-xaaz5tjOpLfwSoOd2H7AnHfqNbLpcU6wWAeAvnhEiG_BNyaZ0NyVg2hSkGsv0UHrtleMjths4L770WZDO3q3fIU8AIHU_-QVF7nKjvZh6lW7JoH5wOQc0/s1600/family+600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTidIjSKpOyhOJprbUD38Xc-xaaz5tjOpLfwSoOd2H7AnHfqNbLpcU6wWAeAvnhEiG_BNyaZ0NyVg2hSkGsv0UHrtleMjths4L770WZDO3q3fIU8AIHU_-QVF7nKjvZh6lW7JoH5wOQc0/s400/family+600.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then my daughter asked him if he was sad that <i>we </i>couldn't see and be with Poppie. Immediately his grin changed into a pout that looked as if </span></span></b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">he was about to cry but stopped just short.</span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJysJCyPoFb94khPEiuYquKxAT5AhabvWFbUqSG6rObaBQjspbi0S_vRSf87HuEDNrBJ3YiU7su54vM57tECqDJCsMhjD423jiGuD-dGQAsOCbxEPM_0FrXufYIOMCnjq68O0SIPBtt0o/s1600/family+606.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuW_RQ3mAF2kBwWY3jX1NLqV4v8obx03DPdD4CoCDlpZynFf9Vpkr44ChUZoqAPu-M1PAuucpINY27odLFQzQ7nJMP4fNjcT-8Pk4V9gRLrcmIyOcqTQilpsS6qBSVTxHRxGlHeKnv54/s400/family+604.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Both my daughter and I started to tear up. We knew we had been given a tender reminder that angels are closer than we know. This is not the first confirmation we have had over the past year. There have been MANY. It is a fact that we are all surroun</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">ded by angels, both seen and unseen. You just have to be aware of the signs; like when a friend calls to lift your mood at just the right time, or when a stranger offers to help, or when you feel that calm assurance that, despite the odds, everything will be okay. It is consoling to know that we are not alone, that there are indeed angels among us.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAdj8rTXr8Ip505gaQenKbSDsCC2YPtXApxkKlIAvvR6XEZ1Iop9EHDvNIXPvO8ImYxuz1FSCaBo33lh9CSscOjU8PdmyD-urGz6JTK0O2uv0bSst509ZFvAWYd2SpHJvyxk26T_ehHM/s1600/family+598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>And in case you have doubts about this little guy's reaction, he has never since smiled so long and big nor had such a sad face as he did that day. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We know it was an affirmation straight from heaven. </span></span></b> </div>
Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15571487816552446985noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858086016338707817.post-49048080837297346652013-04-12T05:00:00.000-06:002013-04-15T17:57:36.175-06:00Thrift Shopping Tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Thank you for taking the time to vote for Joys of Home at the JDR Industry Awards. The voting closes today 4pm PST so if you haven't voted yet I would be honored if you took a moment to go </span><a href="http://www.jacksondesignandremodeling.com/blogger-awards" style="color: #45818e;">HERE</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"> to cast your vote. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">(Voting is now closed.)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"> I am grateful for you! </span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Now lets discuss another fun topic....</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I often get questions while thrifting and on my blog about how I find such great treasures. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I thought it might be fun to have you com</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">e a<span style="font-size: large;">long with me to the thrift shop and I'll share my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">treasure hunting strategies.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFiicXMEHp38JCCiubY3NqgXn7DByM0AjmY2TvbBhiTgB0ey1fqKES8EwY1zrCw6jbAWeUDUsp7EdreGpkOBdqa53kkW0XZYJ3K8RJ9y4TMaOkycbdWpOYPCP20kSJAXkSxVGJEjudTSE/s1600/joysofhome+845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFiicXMEHp38JCCiubY3NqgXn7DByM0AjmY2TvbBhiTgB0ey1fqKES8EwY1zrCw6jbAWeUDUsp7EdreGpkOBdqa53kkW0XZYJ3K8RJ9y4TMaOkycbdWpOYPCP20kSJAXkSxVGJEjudTSE/s400/joysofhome+845.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">My thrift store is fairly clean and organized so the first thing I do when I enter the store is go directly to the aisle that contains metals, holiday decorations and knick-nacks. I search for silver trays and bowls, interesting brass objects, or fun accessories. I hit this aisle first because those are the things that interest me right now. A few years ago when I was collecting white ironstone pieces I would look at dishes</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> first.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">TIP #1</span>: Get to know the layout of the store and look for your favorite items first.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">TIP #2</span>: Go down the aisles more than once. You'll be amazed at the items you didn't notice the first time.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDRoCBYrkZQIdoRH8bBZnirncjbxdxK-huW5NRFQpkrrzEpTHLFUnMZzjoT0wH_W9htwiuMambWDcRe5y41bO1j1INZbZzbMudqEOmMBOgVBbPccWeivsyK-muEs8MlvFlRBxjmf8GIM/s1600/joysofhome+844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDRoCBYrkZQIdoRH8bBZnirncjbxdxK-huW5NRFQpkrrzEpTHLFUnMZzjoT0wH_W9htwiuMambWDcRe5y41bO1j1INZbZzbMudqEOmMBOgVBbPccWeivsyK-muEs8MlvFlRBxjmf8GIM/s400/joysofhome+844.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I also keep an eye out as I walk along the domestics. Yes, I'm the woman squeezing the pillows to check if they're down-filled. I have also been known to smell them as well as other domestic items for unusual smells like mothballs or smoke, those odors that are not easily removed with washing. I know some people have an aversion to buying used pillows or sheets but I have no problem with these items as long as I throw them into the washing machine before I use them. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">TIP #3</span>: Don't just buy a used pillow for it's looks. If you find a fluffy down-filled pillow you can remove the ugly cover, wash the insert and sew or buy a new cover. I never pay more than $4 for a thrifted pillow and compared to new store prices that's an incredible savings for a down-filled insert. Down pillows can be washed and dried but they generally take a few days to fully dry and get fluffy again. </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">My thrift store has an outdoor area that houses miscellaneous items such as furniture, building supplies, frames, lamps, and larger items that don't fit on the shelves inside. On this day I spotted a table for ten dollars. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02h2YOPvOULPqlG8hYRH_B_cWRi8ps2XuKlToa-LRIrc5uXsUtQa0crJV5OPGaYOqnZJChvaNBDRV3VKJyp_o0xXYxrAiNUZWkhLJv9-AyLM4b2276gUkCwbBFI7E7PCNJEXWe15c8pw/s1600/joysofhome+842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02h2YOPvOULPqlG8hYRH_B_cWRi8ps2XuKlToa-LRIrc5uXsUtQa0crJV5OPGaYOqnZJChvaNBDRV3VKJyp_o0xXYxrAiNUZWkhLJv9-AyLM4b2276gUkCwbBFI7E7PCNJEXWe15c8pw/s400/joysofhome+842.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">TIP #4</span>: Always keep an open mind and look at the piece for what it can become. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A well built dining chair could easily be updated with new fabric. An ugly mirror might turn into a beauty if the frame is spray painted a fun color. With the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> table in the photo, for instance, I wouldn't buy it to use as a table but I may buy it because of the top. I have a building project in mind that I may want to use the butcher block and at ten dollars that's a great buy! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAx0k9sYxqQA2Yrvj1m4eUcga0sXXcYmiX7iuSF7YO5MIdBibQeeIS0sBCxIl06vDvekXKDB5jPj5ds2Xf-hEmHipreF6NznaZTmi7eoOyaDQ2ZR3efhxuGZLeN2SbvS5uV-DGbouBSJU/s1600/joysofhome+843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAx0k9sYxqQA2Yrvj1m4eUcga0sXXcYmiX7iuSF7YO5MIdBibQeeIS0sBCxIl06vDvekXKDB5jPj5ds2Xf-hEmHipreF6NznaZTmi7eoOyaDQ2ZR3efhxuGZLeN2SbvS5uV-DGbouBSJU/s400/joysofhome+843.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">TIP #5</span>: Bring along a few tools. I always carry a measuring tape and a multi-screwdriver. The measuring tape helps me figure out if an item will work in the spot I need. With the screwdriver I can see if an item just needs a little tightening or if there is a bigger problem that might require more work than I'm willing to spend money and energy repairing.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7YqFgDacDvPHIFuVe5rfmCwa9OaZUH8SJI80lGxFDtKLkUbtgzYFHVP657tpgp2zoKVOFec97CU5a7yHX1Gpn8niw088tu3LXBseYky8xYIn48p62g8mB_hAR8GEWh02LW3l7dJDYvY/s1600/joysofhome+846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7YqFgDacDvPHIFuVe5rfmCwa9OaZUH8SJI80lGxFDtKLkUbtgzYFHVP657tpgp2zoKVOFec97CU5a7yHX1Gpn8niw088tu3LXBseYky8xYIn48p62g8mB_hAR8GEWh02LW3l7dJDYvY/s400/joysofhome+846.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">TIP #6</span>: Find out when the "new" items come out. Most thrift stores in my area bring out the newly donated items from the time they open until about 4:30 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">with a break for lunch. The items come out on large rolling carts. But I must warn you, you need to have some serious ninja skills in order to snatch an awesome item off these carts. When they're rolled out it becomes a piranha feeding frenzy! </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">TIP #7</span>: Grab a shopping cart. A cart holds all of your treasures and frees up your hands for finding more. I strongly advise putting EVERYTHING in the cart that catches your eye. If it catches your eye it will likely catch someone else's eye which means if you leave that wonderful item on the shelf while you think about it, it may not be there when you decide you want it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8TmaWPVKrhbOIbFC1Mc1uUjTAGdj9HL2_bvriE_P0-R7zW2XJNjoOmI5qMt97kvkcZT_wYBbuj4IHWa7IABQLFkZtdy7bnI1nIBNmJy4i7zIhuqiEYwATLffe_Y7XBNVUpxBJKOM9RfA/s1600/joysofhome+847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8TmaWPVKrhbOIbFC1Mc1uUjTAGdj9HL2_bvriE_P0-R7zW2XJNjoOmI5qMt97kvkcZT_wYBbuj4IHWa7IABQLFkZtdy7bnI1nIBNmJy4i7zIhuqiEYwATLffe_Y7XBNVUpxBJKOM9RfA/s400/joysofhome+847.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">TIP #8</span>: Now that you found your</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> treasures, a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">sk yourself questions: Do I really love it? Will it look good in my home? Am I attracted to this merely because it's a good deal? Answering these questions can save you money and help you avoid becoming a full-out thrifting hoarder. This is also a good time to pare down and put back the items that don't make the cut. But PLEASE put the items back in the proper place. I see too many people put their unwanted items in piles leaving the store employees to clean up after them.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">TIP #9</span>: Many thrift shoppers do the pare down technique so if you see something in someone's cart that you like, say something to them. Be polite. Tell them how lucky they are to find that item. Tell them you admire it and then tell them that if, by chance, they decide they don't want it you may be interested. Sometimes these comments work and the person will give you the item, in which case you then thank them immensely. If it doesn't work, your comments have just made the person feel happy about their treasure and it always feels good to make someone happy. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you don't feel comfortable talking to strangers who have a thrift treasure you admire you can always stalk them.....from a distance.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5UoHcyh_TRflV_6ceNo3nfAn3Aq7fNlyFyC-SVIgfhgCLQ59K18OikhQuWJcrj3yHvzK8eqzwJpCBTtIRzIzW_ir8W3AFZCdRThbi4lnDVoLnWymMCaAMYUJU2dkU0QxvtYotbpQJPU/s1600/20130315_155744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5UoHcyh_TRflV_6ceNo3nfAn3Aq7fNlyFyC-SVIgfhgCLQ59K18OikhQuWJcrj3yHvzK8eqzwJpCBTtIRzIzW_ir8W3AFZCdRThbi4lnDVoLnWymMCaAMYUJU2dkU0QxvtYotbpQJPU/s400/20130315_155744.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">TIP #10</span>: Use the cart to style your finds. This strategy helps me figure out if the items I'm buying really will fit my home. It's so tempting to pick up all sorts of lovely items because of the incredible prices but even if you only pay fifty cents for something that you won't love when you bring it home, that's fifty cents too much!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's my cart full of the treasures I was drawn to on this shopping trip (before paring down):</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTXjQWxyIZAhg_Rk4of4RClxEKaXxkfzYDJuTsgsdvpjUT3m_7ii8bMwf6YXoglgKohZKGMcYY3NIwRoQIIg7bA2o8I6762bebgeongD3pcRF7QNI0ex8u3eRuawkG9Bz0An1DF1dK4o/s1600/joysofhome+848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTXjQWxyIZAhg_Rk4of4RClxEKaXxkfzYDJuTsgsdvpjUT3m_7ii8bMwf6YXoglgKohZKGMcYY3NIwRoQIIg7bA2o8I6762bebgeongD3pcRF7QNI0ex8u3eRuawkG9Bz0An1DF1dK4o/s400/joysofhome+848.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">*Candles-I usually pay $2 or less. I look for white or cream colored as well as ones with a lovely scent.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">*Fabric-I've found all sorts of fabric for great prices; anything from lace to upholstery fabric.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">*Pictures-I look at the picture and the frame. If I like the picture I can always paint the frame. If I like the frame I can always lose the picture.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">*Baskets-They are always great for storage or to give filled with small gifts.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">*Silver, Gold, or Brass accessories-Useful, pretty and versatile.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">*Holiday Items-The best prices on these are usually when they are out of season.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">*Domestics-Pillows, tablecloths and runners, throws, and curtains all can be found for great prices.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">*Accessories-Many of my home accessories come from the thrift store (The barometer in the photo would look cute on a shelf and the wood slice could be great topped with a nest and a cloche).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">*Faux grasses, plants and flowers-These often come with a little dust from the previous owner. They just need a little shower in the sink or the tub to look new again.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">*Dishes-Useful for their intended use, but can also be used to accessorize a coffee table, hang on a wall, or </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">for holding keys, the tv remote, or jewelry.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thanks for coming along with me thrift shopping. I hope you find these tips helpful. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>Happy Thrifting!</b></span></span><br />
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<br />Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15571487816552446985noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858086016338707817.post-82579108355453213572013-04-09T09:28:00.000-06:002013-04-09T09:28:08.950-06:00My Love of Frames<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hello fr<span style="font-size: large;">iends! I am a bit behind in announcing something wonderful about this little blog. It seems that Joys of<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">H</span>ome has been <span style="color: #741b47;">nominated for an award</span> but I need your help. If you would be so k<span style="font-size: large;">ind as to take one minute to go to Jackson <span style="font-size: large;">Design and <span style="font-size: large;">Remo<span style="font-size: large;">deling (just click <a href="http://www.jacksondesignandremodeling.com/blogger-awards">HERE</a>) and <span style="color: #4c1130;">cast your vote</span><span style="font-size: large;">. You'll find Joys of Home <span style="font-size: large;">in</span> the Interior Design category. You can o<span style="font-size: large;">nly <span style="font-size: large;">vote once per computer. And while you<span style="font-size: large;">'re there you can check out the other <span style="font-size: large;">incredible blogs that have been nominated<span style="font-size: large;">. <span style="color: purple;">T</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">HANK YOU!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I am humbled and grateful for your support!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have been <b><span style="color: orange;">collecting picture fr</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: orange;">ame</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: orange;">s</span></b> for years<span style="font-size: large;">. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4d94SrRbrlAilSp6TyKuN6CR8j91qq0I19L6EbHqHQBu-lM15FVthiZzwRqBrejnEDL_g9Ua2AbuhWruJ8MTtk9KdIvuXKs7GhTd-WJMQjWebeLAoqCKycO4PlGgtYEuueUJ1zs3WO4/s1600/joysofhome+853-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4d94SrRbrlAilSp6TyKuN6CR8j91qq0I19L6EbHqHQBu-lM15FVthiZzwRqBrejnEDL_g9Ua2AbuhWruJ8MTtk9KdIvuXKs7GhTd-WJMQjWebeLAoqCKycO4PlGgtYEuueUJ1zs3WO4/s1600/joysofhome+853-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4d94SrRbrlAilSp6TyKuN6CR8j91qq0I19L6EbHqHQBu-lM15FVthiZzwRqBrejnEDL_g9Ua2AbuhWruJ8MTtk9KdIvuXKs7GhTd-WJMQjWebeLAoqCKycO4PlGgtYEuueUJ1zs3WO4/s400/joysofhome+853-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;">I am drawn to the <b><span style="color: #990000;">chunky an</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">d ornate</span></b>.<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LHTsFjCvlwnXADxz7MSGa3CMlhyphenhyphenB6Ev_3ou3KZVHp-fUpIdKZrJFulnsYHLCFfXo3-G939hl-9nTRqkBlGcNYNguH4TCtBp-0Jw9KixIhAfliRnXLxszTdau9rZei7c-ez2HbDB0XHA/s1600/joysofhome+851-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LHTsFjCvlwnXADxz7MSGa3CMlhyphenhyphenB6Ev_3ou3KZVHp-fUpIdKZrJFulnsYHLCFfXo3-G939hl-9nTRqkBlGcNYNguH4TCtBp-0Jw9KixIhAfliRnXLxszTdau9rZei7c-ez2HbDB0XHA/s400/joysofhome+851-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">A</span> few years back <span style="font-size: large;">I </span>spray paint<span style="font-size: large;">ed</span> many of my frames black but now I enjoy them in their various <b><span style="color: #7f6000;">shades of gold</span></b>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbORU8MBmXZqcsXj-YSQCFyS5t-kZEq-e0aOuuaLhqnpmWpM88aqQ-zoj3Y9W6UgBVU0FkmOQHLMR4ZRLo_0cgJF_Tssgu26eoLfpw6TgBcAB-WIxtn-OjnRA8fCmp-tYTX-JqK6OQ4Uo/s1600/joysofhome+849-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbORU8MBmXZqcsXj-YSQCFyS5t-kZEq-e0aOuuaLhqnpmWpM88aqQ-zoj3Y9W6UgBVU0FkmOQHLMR4ZRLo_0cgJF_Tssgu26eoLfpw6TgBcAB-WIxtn-OjnRA8fCmp-tYTX-JqK6OQ4Uo/s400/joysofhome+849-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">On a whim one day I decided to pull <span style="font-size: large;">my frame collection together and line them up on the antique tin shelf in my dining room<span style="font-size: large;">. I find it to be quite <b><span style="color: #b45f06;">a stunning display</span></b>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhZGZ9QCoWagZdXgIAFyEcIlfOh_kwp4_z31AMWbe_rdWL2SrNNFBRIOrJK7zBEFXwm1xK_8sTqGXZ4IpnrsWrevQ4dWnBcrInT8twxM8h3DJ2ADvayyEuZuxxwfh1MaOuIeO71NIYn8/s1600/joysofhome+850-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhZGZ9QCoWagZdXgIAFyEcIlfOh_kwp4_z31AMWbe_rdWL2SrNNFBRIOrJK7zBEFXwm1xK_8sTqGXZ4IpnrsWrevQ4dWnBcrInT8twxM8h3DJ2ADvayyEuZuxxwfh1MaOuIeO71NIYn8/s400/joysofhome+850-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have <span style="font-size: large;">som<span style="font-size: large;">ething you've been collecting for years that you could put on display to b<span style="font-size: large;">r</span>ing joy in your home<span style="font-size: large;">?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15571487816552446985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858086016338707817.post-88184934898756042452013-04-05T06:00:00.000-06:002013-04-05T12:17:23.912-06:00Flower Power<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am loving this <b><span style="color: #f1c232;">warm</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #f1c232;"> weather</span></b>! My <span style="font-size: large;">forsythia bushes are just <span style="font-size: large;">beginning</span> to bloom. The bright yellow blo<span style="font-size: large;">ssoms<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>make me <span style="font-size: large;">sm<span style="font-size: large;">ile. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKGr1bHbVTwCbyogo4C7PXFmgsoJ8Bx4-QHmqyH51uHWnVXsmWLUkJruqoC0gevID49qr1Y_N0q40zCcXI82TMg4W9b6mjJ_PDgeD0ID_Np3fPwaLa4IEFLNPV9hwW8r-vx66vcKr8gI/s1600/joysofhome+840-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKGr1bHbVTwCbyogo4C7PXFmgsoJ8Bx4-QHmqyH51uHWnVXsmWLUkJruqoC0gevID49qr1Y_N0q40zCcXI82TMg4W9b6mjJ_PDgeD0ID_Np3fPwaLa4IEFLNPV9hwW8r-vx66vcKr8gI/s400/joysofhome+840-1.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I<span style="font-size: large;"> spen<span style="font-size: large;">t <span style="font-size: large;">some time this week planting purple and yellow pansies<span style="font-size: large;">.<span style="font-size: large;"> I<span style="font-size: large;"> adore pansies<span style="font-size: large;">!</span></span> They are <span style="font-size: large;">among the first to bloom in the <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">S</span>pring</span></b>. They <span style="font-size: large;">appear s<span style="font-size: large;">o delicate yet<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span>withstand the <span style="font-size: large;">la<span style="font-size: large;">st snowstorms o<span style="font-size: large;">f winter. <span style="font-size: large;">They are a be<span style="font-size: large;">auti<span style="font-size: large;">ful reminder of <b><span style="color: #351c75;">endur</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75;">ance</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75;"> and stre</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75;">ngth</span></b>. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiTKVJ03ubLvsNPMyJ_1cHrA4VzmQyTdc_P7L5LXlds6kvgqWKHn-X1I6kyhan3yhqS_lgRYmFheAVrCk88UQswL5IcYUECEiFgiCQNW5-6UumMQvv8dY_mLqj17f5O-gRUOpK3miLy4/s1600/joysofhome+841-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiTKVJ03ubLvsNPMyJ_1cHrA4VzmQyTdc_P7L5LXlds6kvgqWKHn-X1I6kyhan3yhqS_lgRYmFheAVrCk88UQswL5IcYUECEiFgiCQNW5-6UumMQvv8dY_mLqj17f5O-gRUOpK3miLy4/s400/joysofhome+841-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Isn't is interesting how the sight and/or <span style="font-size: large;">smell </span>of flowers can stir so many <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">e</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">mo</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">tions and memories</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">?<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Every year as I plant my petunias <span style="font-size: large;">I sin<span style="font-size: large;">g <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=6ab0c106dac20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=198bf4b13819d110VgnVCM1000003a94610aRCRD">a childhood song </a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">tha<span style="font-size: large;">t rem</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">inds me to try to gladden the spot where I've been planted. Whenever I smell petunias the<span style="font-size: large;">ir aroma transpor<span style="font-size: large;">ts me b<span style="font-size: large;">ack to my <span style="font-size: large;">youth to an amusement park where my family would go each year to c<span style="font-size: large;">elebrate my birthday.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> There is such a <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>power in nature</b></span>, which is one of the reasons I enjoy gardening.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Last year I happened <span style="font-size: large;">upon a person who was <span style="font-size: large;">so</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">enthusiastic</span></span></b> about </span></span>gardening that they found a way to<span style="font-size: large;"> take their garden with them. (Please forgive the quality of my old phone pictures<span style="font-size: large;">)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZ1VRoHF2u4Mp5DqYuYLCS7EfnWwfEsdp9DBLv2fUbt3GtqEVPeWw3WXneUdpeKnZkyzFmuSG8Hfekdu1h9lPf1VAXIdQDCYJ1xFxmrd7KYuXR0AvxBR4HqYqwKHpCQduCjM30f7JYnI/s1600/gardencar1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZ1VRoHF2u4Mp5DqYuYLCS7EfnWwfEsdp9DBLv2fUbt3GtqEVPeWw3WXneUdpeKnZkyzFmuSG8Hfekdu1h9lPf1VAXIdQDCYJ1xFxmrd7KYuXR0AvxBR4HqYqwKHpCQduCjM30f7JYnI/s320/gardencar1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I <span style="font-size: large;">truly admire</span> people who <span style="font-size: large;">find <span style="font-size: large;">creative ways to <span style="font-size: large;">share</span> their passion<span style="font-size: large;">!</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I hope you can find</span> some time today <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">to s<span style="font-size: large;">hare</span></span> <span style="font-size: large;">something you're passionate about.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
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Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15571487816552446985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858086016338707817.post-7754556733361779372013-04-04T06:00:00.000-06:002013-04-04T06:00:06.992-06:00Catching Up<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hello friends! How are you? I<span style="font-size: large;"> have been so <span style="font-size: large;">sporadic at blogging that I feel a bit out of touch. I thought I would take some time to catch you up on <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">my life</span></b>.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Last <span style="font-size: large;">Saturday <span style="font-size: large;">our family honored the year ma<span style="font-size: large;">rk of my husband<span style="font-size: large;">'s <span style="font-size: large;">death</span>. <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I</span>t has been <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">a year</span></b> since my sweetheart <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">unexpectedly <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">passed away</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> (typing those words still seems <span style="font-size: large;">very</span> <span style="font-size: large;">foreign</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>). <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">We spe<span style="font-size: large;">nt the day talking about the events of a year ago <span style="font-size: large;">in the field where it all happen<span style="font-size: large;">ed. Then we created <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">a happy memory</span></b> by going out t<span style="font-size: large;">o<span style="font-size: large;"> dinner<span style="font-size: large;">, laughing<span style="font-size: large;">, eating and enjoying being together<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">. There are days I have a hard time believing this new circumstance of ours and yet I feel an odd sense of relie<span style="font-size: large;">f knowing <span style="font-size: large;">I have survived the worst year of my life. I know that our survival was a result of many prayers and much love and support given by family, friends and even strangers. <span style="font-size: large;">F</span>or that I am</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <b><span style="color: #e69138;">profoundly grateful</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the wee hours of Monday, April 1st, my <span style="font-size: large;">darling </span>dau<span style="font-size: large;">ghter delivered her s<span style="font-size: large;">econ<span style="font-size: large;">d child<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">...</span>a boy<span style="font-size: large;">. I am so thrille<span style="font-size: large;">d to be the </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #741b47;">nonnie </span></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">of three beautiful girls and now a handsome baby boy!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9KoPZcoNbVPYcmsXXGk8fc2eY8QU_ruIKEl46OCX8_9VOboCiQzhv84wVQR-BJHaYyigpPFq0X5dA_Xhm18IZHttofppTRglXLXyfxrI5laDzSjo6zV7KHUPGSUT8FFBkiSeC1SvzUk/s1600/joysofhome+839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9KoPZcoNbVPYcmsXXGk8fc2eY8QU_ruIKEl46OCX8_9VOboCiQzhv84wVQR-BJHaYyigpPFq0X5dA_Xhm18IZHttofppTRglXLXyfxrI5laDzSjo6zV7KHUPGSUT8FFBkiSeC1SvzUk/s400/joysofhome+839.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Throughout this past year </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">the importance of home </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">has become even more signif<span style="font-size: large;">icant to me</span>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gFwjVqh4NyszT2DQAizyUOGQJ0B0UHjov7DRznw78Z9p7iQ573eMxiW3omINK_LNw9nM6BfU7E5SHSXy5jXBMcRwoST7sP-A6omB9gyC_rpDEdx7qnJgXewAyro8jLnFCsFzlo9Czzw/s1600/joysofhome+838-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gFwjVqh4NyszT2DQAizyUOGQJ0B0UHjov7DRznw78Z9p7iQ573eMxiW3omINK_LNw9nM6BfU7E5SHSXy5jXBMcRwoST7sP-A6omB9gyC_rpDEdx7qnJgXewAyro8jLnFCsFzlo9Czzw/s400/joysofhome+838-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">It doesn't matter the size of our ho<span style="font-size: large;">use or it's location. Our ho<span style="font-size: large;">use</span> does not need <span style="font-size: large;">to be magazine-shoot worthy but it does nee<span style="font-size: large;">d to give us that sen<span style="font-size: large;">se of <span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>JOY</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span>that no other place can.<span style="font-size: large;"> Home should be <span style="font-size: large;">where we feel comfort despite <span style="font-size: large;">all that is happen<span style="font-size: large;">ing in the world. It should be a place where we delight to <span style="font-size: large;">come <span style="font-size: large;">at the end of the day<span style="font-size: large;">; where we feel a sense of warmth<span style="font-size: large;"> and we<span style="font-size: large;">ll-being.<span style="font-size: large;"> Our homes should be where we house our happy m<span style="font-size: large;">e<span style="font-size: large;">mories as we<span style="font-size: large;">ll as ou<span style="font-size: large;">r sad; where we have beautiful traditions<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">as well as mundane routines.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cYJbWG0ssobw-foa1oCmTfDVRgI_b1104uRKTDPATccFTYwh6Hf-W33MrOibiuP9oq4ZOvawamwUaHTQlH1tw4tP7yzJrO5iWWQO_KdKkzfCltHm1xbDNFZp23LerCjd-IHq5TGU_N4/s1600/joysofhome+826-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cYJbWG0ssobw-foa1oCmTfDVRgI_b1104uRKTDPATccFTYwh6Hf-W33MrOibiuP9oq4ZOvawamwUaHTQlH1tw4tP7yzJrO5iWWQO_KdKkzfCltHm1xbDNFZp23LerCjd-IHq5TGU_N4/s400/joysofhome+826-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">My whole pur<span style="font-size: large;">pose for <span style="font-size: large;">writing this blog <span style="font-size: large;">i</span>s <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">to share the ways I find joy in my <span style="font-size: large;">home. I am <b><span style="color: #741b47;">passionate</span></b> about helping others feel about <span style="font-size: large;">their homes the way I feel about mine. <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I hope you find <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">inspiration</span></b> here in creating</span> </span></span>joy <span style="font-size: large;">for</span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">your</span></span> home.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpimfPWprD9J2HsJTU4Pk9-U6BGOSgd61_L0Pw3tb3wi-DtShHpbX95Qb6iCvLPpqVEt6jtDunAfQVTy6LrDfoSSw04AGiZmC2Jw1h2q5xGE1D2QlXH3O5XpTo0td_5hpCcGQF0SQj1A/s1600/joysofhome+823-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpimfPWprD9J2HsJTU4Pk9-U6BGOSgd61_L0Pw3tb3wi-DtShHpbX95Qb6iCvLPpqVEt6jtDunAfQVTy6LrDfoSSw04AGiZmC2Jw1h2q5xGE1D2QlXH3O5XpTo0td_5hpCcGQF0SQj1A/s400/joysofhome+823-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">Thank you</span></b> for <span style="font-size: large;">visiting<span style="font-size: large;">! I truly appreciate you for being so supportive in <span style="font-size: large;">the many aspects of my life.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15571487816552446985noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858086016338707817.post-64901761650117892862013-03-15T07:00:00.000-06:002013-03-15T07:00:07.165-06:00Not a Stick<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefc6n0ZwwKVBQwGvbr1Q9Z6Jz-7jvbEUaT71KV0Fc53lq_464lap10u3h2zSWsUVzj9h2zQXcYYD90ixSGCl5GH5VBpwxLQpV8XtKznQhvif6SzWzpVGZLfWZUWy9VoS_D5-D_e4FoOI/s1600/joysofhome+812.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My oldest g<span style="font-size: large;">randdaughter <span style="font-size: large;">is <span style="font-size: large;">in</span></span> <span style="font-size: large;">kindergarten. <span style="font-size: large;">Every year her charter scho<span style="font-size: large;">o<span style="font-size: large;">l</span></span> hosts a </span>fund<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">raiser auction</span> <span style="font-size: large;">w<span style="font-size: large;">ith</span> art projects from eac<span style="font-size: large;">h class<span style="font-size: large;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">This year e</span>veryone was</span> <span style="font-size: large;">asked to base the project on a children's book<span style="font-size: large;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> My <span style="font-size: large;">s<span style="font-size: large;">weet daughter-in-law <span style="font-size: large;">volunteered to head-up the projects for the kindergarten classes. <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> For one class she choose the book, <span style="color: cyan;"><b><a href="http://www.harpercollins.com/browseinside/index.aspx?isbn13=9780061123252">Not a Stick</a></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefc6n0ZwwKVBQwGvbr1Q9Z6Jz-7jvbEUaT71KV0Fc53lq_464lap10u3h2zSWsUVzj9h2zQXcYYD90ixSGCl5GH5VBpwxLQpV8XtKznQhvif6SzWzpVGZLfWZUWy9VoS_D5-D_e4FoOI/s1600/joysofhome+812.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefc6n0ZwwKVBQwGvbr1Q9Z6Jz-7jvbEUaT71KV0Fc53lq_464lap10u3h2zSWsUVzj9h2zQXcYYD90ixSGCl5GH5VBpwxLQpV8XtKznQhvif6SzWzpVGZLfWZUWy9VoS_D5-D_e4FoOI/s640/joysofhome+812.jpg" width="480" /></a> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She had each of the children paint a <span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">paint stir<span style="font-size: large;">-</span>stick</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> and then she brought me the <span style="font-size: large;">colorful sticks.</span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJyFxvCENHai38Gx70VUHDPchd7g0YL1N0YoqNCrTf8PEeAstGaddCrlXf8fYFfa6IHBIR_Vtj1eBBooXCzNWchDy-thCcn_IK04fgPY_Yej7mD8RO7WUX3VGbChaE79Mqo6myz_mdbw/s1600/joysofhome+814.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJyFxvCENHai38Gx70VUHDPchd7g0YL1N0YoqNCrTf8PEeAstGaddCrlXf8fYFfa6IHBIR_Vtj1eBBooXCzNWchDy-thCcn_IK04fgPY_Yej7mD8RO7WUX3VGbChaE79Mqo6myz_mdbw/s640/joysofhome+814.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I glued the sticks on a la<span style="font-size: large;">rge </span>p<span style="font-size: large;">ie</span>ce of <span style="font-size: large;">MDF, </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">then added legs and some trim. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvs1MiedcLVtQf9SRau6oLPd3Owyo9mohO5XJq60wJ5LZr_x-riVQFf29Fp0TCqXBISKAy06uQkxvkwN8wSmmlsjQ82DsgeyTCqL98Y4xxeSTS3Bb5PilsF40mmSCY0hXNHYcOB5h5QHg/s1600/joysofhome+815.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvs1MiedcLVtQf9SRau6oLPd3Owyo9mohO5XJq60wJ5LZr_x-riVQFf29Fp0TCqXBISKAy06uQkxvkwN8wSmmlsjQ82DsgeyTCqL98Y4xxeSTS3Bb5PilsF40mmSCY0hXNHYcOB5h5QHg/s640/joysofhome+815.jpg" width="640" /></a>The sticks became <b><span style="color: #f1c232;">a beautiful</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #f1c232;"> table</span></b> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">that c<span style="font-size: large;">an</span> be used as a<span style="font-size: large;">n end <span style="font-size: large;">table </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">o<span style="font-size: large;">r a spot for children to s<span style="font-size: large;">it</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieM4QppG_YWuTR2C9KWkpOxy1aXMpWN8uJ6hEvIbQLGydP1MUIPmY8xDBW-9EE2NU7B_FZm-fsmfkZI0Gh6A9XR8wb-a_ZW-g8Ju-MehL71Xvy-_2UETqjQdC2mW_BbaLt3qqJLpTqko/s1600/joysofhome+813-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieM4QppG_YWuTR2C9KWkpOxy1aXMpWN8uJ6hEvIbQLGydP1MUIPmY8xDBW-9EE2NU7B_FZm-fsmfkZI0Gh6A9XR8wb-a_ZW-g8Ju-MehL71Xvy-_2UETqjQdC2mW_BbaLt3qqJLpTqko/s640/joysofhome+813-1.jpg" width="516" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was <span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>a fun project</b></span> for <span style="font-size: large;">both me and the children<span style="font-size: large;">---and </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">it sold for a great pr<span style="font-size: large;">ice too!</span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15571487816552446985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858086016338707817.post-2152295960860225252013-02-26T09:30:00.000-07:002013-02-26T10:02:48.483-07:00Another Mantle Post<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJ_jq37shrMaWQAlyUimbtXiFBUlOwFAR7LNkJBiFMaCu3L6-ukDpQL4H2m0mSWEJeWzSS7nnYen3kjFDTL6oeDsyizZM7fU29ld02OKKBxQ0uDM0ig5QL70Lti7j13DzlFzjbE_1MlE/s1600/joysofhome+818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I apo<span style="font-size: large;">logize for the lack of creative posts. </span>I<span style="font-size: large;">t has been a l-o-n-g winter! My creativity <span style="font-size: large;">and the view outside my door<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>seem to be one a<span style="font-size: large;">nd the same...<span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>dull and boring.</b></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixO75OVFLWw9Tt4f-bRNzf3oaU2XSZKLMnmalS33Il79mqi_wds-VFOTCz_ZICvXrvYPyGZPYMMPB5TT8DrxH2IMDTjZLJgZiB9bBC54oERI5y_7fOo7-FTLEAbpzP0K-Xi0_nqw_WUdQ/s1600/joysofhome+821.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixO75OVFLWw9Tt4f-bRNzf3oaU2XSZKLMnmalS33Il79mqi_wds-VFOTCz_ZICvXrvYPyGZPYMMPB5TT8DrxH2IMDTjZLJgZiB9bBC54oERI5y_7fOo7-FTLEAbpzP0K-Xi0_nqw_WUdQ/s640/joysofhome+821.jpg" width="526" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Bet<span style="font-size: large;">ween adjusting to widowhood and <span style="font-size: small;">(what seems to be</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> an endless amount of)</span> </span></span><b><span style="color: #0c343d;">gloomy </span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0c343d;">weather</span></b>, </span>I've <span style="font-size: large;">had little desire to do any decor<span style="font-size: large;">ating<span style="font-size: large;">. <span style="font-size: large;">One of the few <span style="font-size: large;">cr<span style="font-size: large;">e</span></span>ative outlets</span> <span style="font-size: large;">has been</span> <b><span style="color: #783f04;">my mantle</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I appreciate that you <span style="font-size: large;">have tolerated my <span style="font-size: small;">(what seems to be an endless amou<span style="font-size: small;">nt of) <span style="font-size: large;">continuous mantle photos. <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I, </span>like t<span style="font-size: large;">he we<span style="font-size: large;">ather<span style="font-size: large;">man, promise that there will be <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">changes</span></b> <span style="font-size: large;">soon</span>. But until then, her<span style="font-size: large;">e's <span style="font-size: large;">a look at the state of my mantle today.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJT1HDTVdOyXI1RIwsrhBPBGc15BeRshPMve93CuBTRcdOPqbqutMelfHcqMgxd-3Zmr2onTOEMD0b6Z6ca76sXyZAuxTkki2-Taefnvtm8WMjhPyBB0aln_HwRvyGMwhlZ7pO7TdO5M/s1600/joysofhome+817.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJT1HDTVdOyXI1RIwsrhBPBGc15BeRshPMve93CuBTRcdOPqbqutMelfHcqMgxd-3Zmr2onTOEMD0b6Z6ca76sXyZAuxTkki2-Taefnvtm8WMjhPyBB0aln_HwRvyGMwhlZ7pO7TdO5M/s400/joysofhome+817.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">It reflects the weather outside<span style="font-size: large;">---browns, creams, <span style="font-size: large;">with</span> a glimmer of<span style="font-size: large;"> <b><span style="color: #7f6000;">gol</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">d</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">the hope of</span> sun shining through the clouds/smog)</span>. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJ_jq37shrMaWQAlyUimbtXiFBUlOwFAR7LNkJBiFMaCu3L6-ukDpQL4H2m0mSWEJeWzSS7nnYen3kjFDTL6oeDsyizZM7fU29ld02OKKBxQ0uDM0ig5QL70Lti7j13DzlFzjbE_1MlE/s1600/joysofhome+818.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJ_jq37shrMaWQAlyUimbtXiFBUlOwFAR7LNkJBiFMaCu3L6-ukDpQL4H2m0mSWEJeWzSS7nnYen3kjFDTL6oeDsyizZM7fU29ld02OKKBxQ0uDM0ig5QL70Lti7j13DzlFzjbE_1MlE/s640/joysofhome+818.jpg" width="640" /></a>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15571487816552446985noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858086016338707817.post-87519688070198130112013-02-13T07:00:00.000-07:002013-02-13T07:00:04.545-07:00A Compilation of Cupids<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's that time of year when my home becomes </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">infested with little winged angelic creatures </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">that symbolize <span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #990000;">love</span></span>. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0YYVOt7PsEX51B7XB3IwL3_dzM2miBA7CGlML-uN3PD9Jhoum3kk_bGLnekla4gw8-Vf_oS_5OPA5ruF118v7vkGDpSwbmZZHlK9hPAM8LutUlkVIfq7klj6Xd_lMeNEsj_k6cRDOr8/s1600/joysofhome+806.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0YYVOt7PsEX51B7XB3IwL3_dzM2miBA7CGlML-uN3PD9Jhoum3kk_bGLnekla4gw8-Vf_oS_5OPA5ruF118v7vkGDpSwbmZZHlK9hPAM8LutUlkVIfq7klj6Xd_lMeNEsj_k6cRDOr8/s640/joysofhome+806.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">They can be found on pedestals,</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEfswLmWh5szTDdXn9piPQLOQlNDYA1AXWGwahpTOzLSndzrl8cBcaJ_sqnmcdRuUAzhluIOV3UXAywBTNZ2oR3zLn71ZnA-LL8GUkG6GJL0p19c6fbG-p4mO5QPADwQub-nuApSTs5k/s1600/joysofhome+807.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEfswLmWh5szTDdXn9piPQLOQlNDYA1AXWGwahpTOzLSndzrl8cBcaJ_sqnmcdRuUAzhluIOV3UXAywBTNZ2oR3zLn71ZnA-LL8GUkG6GJL0p19c6fbG-p4mO5QPADwQub-nuApSTs5k/s640/joysofhome+807.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-mJhinALgdUFY2t5nbXH8ogRe_crEo9mVEDEQuIZrlTxLRfywnWLXBGK7_T0Ss7OFrjCE5gNvGPFIKpZSi8fRY4hn3zW0TFRiRa9G4LHkODkBFQiFpgdb7ydttxDfs-XwPHPWD4bQVw/s1600/joysofhome+808.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-mJhinALgdUFY2t5nbXH8ogRe_crEo9mVEDEQuIZrlTxLRfywnWLXBGK7_T0Ss7OFrjCE5gNvGPFIKpZSi8fRY4hn3zW0TFRiRa9G4LHkODkBFQiFpgdb7ydttxDfs-XwPHPWD4bQVw/s640/joysofhome+808.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCJmiLv0xe1c8X7pxkSl5FUOaV4jmJP3H35msETuflYUCiaZOYqHUOhSkNkNYAyolJFOjF64ZYJO3juO3lCi5B0jQZd9TQbGghPBAkXfum4h3-4jtLKKWNH9UgkxWYNoLYA6G75MgU8o/s1600/joysofhome+804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">mantles,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eSBuG8gRyOm8j3lOUf6a5-bBJA5mdWhPeGkTZTWl9xDj_TwChkWE1h3oLQFWGyZGQ2iG0eJJLciV-CvQint5Xbkym4kkr-Y-dGUTdvQ99eCaLS8uNDFIUd8P4IhXRSg-rLUycBZGKcs/s1600/joysofhome+802.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eSBuG8gRyOm8j3lOUf6a5-bBJA5mdWhPeGkTZTWl9xDj_TwChkWE1h3oLQFWGyZGQ2iG0eJJLciV-CvQint5Xbkym4kkr-Y-dGUTdvQ99eCaLS8uNDFIUd8P4IhXRSg-rLUycBZGKcs/s400/joysofhome+802.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCJmiLv0xe1c8X7pxkSl5FUOaV4jmJP3H35msETuflYUCiaZOYqHUOhSkNkNYAyolJFOjF64ZYJO3juO3lCi5B0jQZd9TQbGghPBAkXfum4h3-4jtLKKWNH9UgkxWYNoLYA6G75MgU8o/s1600/joysofhome+804.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCJmiLv0xe1c8X7pxkSl5FUOaV4jmJP3H35msETuflYUCiaZOYqHUOhSkNkNYAyolJFOjF64ZYJO3juO3lCi5B0jQZd9TQbGghPBAkXfum4h3-4jtLKKWNH9UgkxWYNoLYA6G75MgU8o/s640/joysofhome+804.jpg" width="480" /></a> <span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClItUSePZVY_BClGTN3fdBbvKs5Ffe7As5owEn_AZYJMTqRhVj6-Id5IL0WgCOvoekQr6qW_Ein8oQz2tNIzw5hYjXBHyyj8BGB0r_UmL792IIOUGL2_neVoMyW4nEZUY-SAobYb0mNU/s1600/joysofhome+805.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClItUSePZVY_BClGTN3fdBbvKs5Ffe7As5owEn_AZYJMTqRhVj6-Id5IL0WgCOvoekQr6qW_Ein8oQz2tNIzw5hYjXBHyyj8BGB0r_UmL792IIOUGL2_neVoMyW4nEZUY-SAobYb0mNU/s640/joysofhome+805.jpg" width="480" /></a> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-eIvbK0VzycosrXOE7nASD1PXvkW_-OROM2SeKpOuyL3Ijeav4wYocWHXi5DgMqD1E1hQ_NAybN4iFQu4XFFT_6oHVGi3DXnfW1Q7GmRUOYM2Uf8kRPqJQd_4bdz0OSX342hiCK-SaQ/s1600/joysofhome+809.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-eIvbK0VzycosrXOE7nASD1PXvkW_-OROM2SeKpOuyL3Ijeav4wYocWHXi5DgMqD1E1hQ_NAybN4iFQu4XFFT_6oHVGi3DXnfW1Q7GmRUOYM2Uf8kRPqJQd_4bdz0OSX342hiCK-SaQ/s640/joysofhome+809.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">tables, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbnOU5sQp3zkh44Mk1QVw25Ke0uLpd2gmSSYdHxNtw05VUJ_q3A84G2KuZWmTvTxNuC1ey9cBUma0dqoaLAAmDwEGnluJ_6RIt_YPbgnGFfeyFzwFuWguLWEWhChyphenhyphenbA-tWh1u34Y_U-c/s1600/joysofhome+799.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbnOU5sQp3zkh44Mk1QVw25Ke0uLpd2gmSSYdHxNtw05VUJ_q3A84G2KuZWmTvTxNuC1ey9cBUma0dqoaLAAmDwEGnluJ_6RIt_YPbgnGFfeyFzwFuWguLWEWhChyphenhyphenbA-tWh1u34Y_U-c/s640/joysofhome+799.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9e0aflQzT6nh_v_Gm1IM-QDwBIXBxTbXxtKNruv6x6yJOyd3aYSR2S7newHrwv7VVAHI0WAX4XnjACofYOQjxOBHYFFi1D0TeSUdIfYGcUBrUQrHysvYcaZehHoOwu8bQY9UyQr8Fh0/s1600/joysofhome+800.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9e0aflQzT6nh_v_Gm1IM-QDwBIXBxTbXxtKNruv6x6yJOyd3aYSR2S7newHrwv7VVAHI0WAX4XnjACofYOQjxOBHYFFi1D0TeSUdIfYGcUBrUQrHysvYcaZehHoOwu8bQY9UyQr8Fh0/s640/joysofhome+800.jpg" width="480" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">and under glass.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwa4hw09aT0LobF-FZ6ATy0tHKQMAZjKMoAyC66eJEvwKe0LVNj9Kjp_gxzs627Rpxron_8BMLEMXILIqrtU2nPfoLoqqHhA4xvjCKDluu_8oMVyRD_fRCst5JR7GjIAJBV-Lr87e-MNo/s1600/joysofhome+801.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwa4hw09aT0LobF-FZ6ATy0tHKQMAZjKMoAyC66eJEvwKe0LVNj9Kjp_gxzs627Rpxron_8BMLEMXILIqrtU2nPfoLoqqHhA4xvjCKDluu_8oMVyRD_fRCst5JR7GjIAJBV-Lr87e-MNo/s640/joysofhome+801.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15571487816552446985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858086016338707817.post-79926268143433331042013-02-01T07:00:00.000-07:002013-02-01T09:42:03.527-07:00Painting a Rock Fireplace<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Several months ago I had the opportunity, along with several others, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to help give some friends a home makeover. It was a fun experience! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of my favorite transformations in their home was <b><span style="color: #0c343d;">the fireplace</span></b>.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRcUt4ui7Nb_mPOlGXSZokjp9d0bKCClYWbG1blsTcChrGYwqbb_hCPDYi3zGt15QCC3LCsgOQqBIcyZUJ1FvY4Y2rX1o52LUlWQhacGO2dqxPh6PNxzsca226rGsrQAbDqLwbCRxak4/s1600/joysofhome+661.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRcUt4ui7Nb_mPOlGXSZokjp9d0bKCClYWbG1blsTcChrGYwqbb_hCPDYi3zGt15QCC3LCsgOQqBIcyZUJ1FvY4Y2rX1o52LUlWQhacGO2dqxPh6PNxzsca226rGsrQAbDqLwbCRxak4/s640/joysofhome+661.jpg" width="640" /></a> The original fireplace was rock. The rock was dark, multicolored, dated, and had been colored on by their children. It was in desperate need of an update.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was so excited get my hands on it and give it <b><span style="color: #274e13;">a coat of paint</span></b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">but several of the other volunteers didn't agree with the idea. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Luckily I've met with opposition on paint makeovers before </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(usually with my own family members) so I knew just what to do. . . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">go ahead and <b><span style="color: #990000;">PAINT! </span></b></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MMRMMc6n2xTBMzFBj8pBLkEIrnKQaZTr8icw2OsFZxpnjezYIntJUQqAsl1NkA5smalBql9O7i9WCItBXU8ReKzUMRZ1xCbYkYe-yZMT9pBRaA0KLPvUFBpMtk1PjWcsxD0l54oRFB8/s1600/joysofhome+662.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MMRMMc6n2xTBMzFBj8pBLkEIrnKQaZTr8icw2OsFZxpnjezYIntJUQqAsl1NkA5smalBql9O7i9WCItBXU8ReKzUMRZ1xCbYkYe-yZMT9pBRaA0KLPvUFBpMtk1PjWcsxD0l54oRFB8/s640/joysofhome+662.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I used a primer/ paint combo along with a paintbrush and roller. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In less than an hour the fireplace went from dark and dated </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">fresh, clean and modern</span></b>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_x53si5DcFcPYhQjDkdbXuNa0o8zw1-9xcb3ewAk2qWyx4czw_OWcZCicTtSGmHNIEkfapIvNObtTLSKnXmNB8nR3qt4QhRN7DV-60PjJwsIbpuP7GoW-06v5ekazTFefsizlp45kEOA/s1600/joysofhome+668.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_x53si5DcFcPYhQjDkdbXuNa0o8zw1-9xcb3ewAk2qWyx4czw_OWcZCicTtSGmHNIEkfapIvNObtTLSKnXmNB8nR3qt4QhRN7DV-60PjJwsIbpuP7GoW-06v5ekazTFefsizlp45kEOA/s640/joysofhome+668.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbAMBDcmXW1P9_ZItW4igk4LRSxdip8bHloxvYGZldWFjKLOS4WdQGHnwfvfS7ZsVN42rMkdbrl_2HuwSYALZBUlEYG0B7NioqsVol27ZCoZBX37SDkt2hbhTVGUPILMZcDP2kOSakpk/s1600/joysofhome+667.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbAMBDcmXW1P9_ZItW4igk4LRSxdip8bHloxvYGZldWFjKLOS4WdQGHnwfvfS7ZsVN42rMkdbrl_2HuwSYALZBUlEYG0B7NioqsVol27ZCoZBX37SDkt2hbhTVGUPILMZcDP2kOSakpk/s640/joysofhome+667.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Even the naysayers thought it looked awesome!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRcUt4ui7Nb_mPOlGXSZokjp9d0bKCClYWbG1blsTcChrGYwqbb_hCPDYi3zGt15QCC3LCsgOQqBIcyZUJ1FvY4Y2rX1o52LUlWQhacGO2dqxPh6PNxzsca226rGsrQAbDqLwbCRxak4/s1600/joysofhome+661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The volunteers had another inexpensive idea to update the home.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYUu_MROGi2gDZoHtNuK__RVmgotXHzEic9MloZwVr-lkC7rL-H07x2-eQweuQDYoOeTQ0KJ2Puo4vXAIR5t5UTY-0gk6Q5r5Gv5c0Ukg1dhDKcqOpJaKIbzdAHQfF-tuGITXiH5TfCI/s1600/joysofhome+673.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_b7jGiVnQVQ12c8SahMUEj_C633FPynH1Z0DhQODIf74lNAVNDUq2B1gicx6xzOJpW-a7g5fqWIRqKT3NGQSrfcfTLQ7IY_KbpEFSUuOjtA-G6qQ6kI8jebUUybodeBkyulxo-wbIfM/s1600/joysofhome+670.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_b7jGiVnQVQ12c8SahMUEj_C633FPynH1Z0DhQODIf74lNAVNDUq2B1gicx6xzOJpW-a7g5fqWIRqKT3NGQSrfcfTLQ7IY_KbpEFSUuOjtA-G6qQ6kI8jebUUybodeBkyulxo-wbIfM/s640/joysofhome+670.jpg" width="480" /></a></span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They used wide baseboard, turned upside down, as crown molding. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_b7jGiVnQVQ12c8SahMUEj_C633FPynH1Z0DhQODIf74lNAVNDUq2B1gicx6xzOJpW-a7g5fqWIRqKT3NGQSrfcfTLQ7IY_KbpEFSUuOjtA-G6qQ6kI8jebUUybodeBkyulxo-wbIfM/s1600/joysofhome+670.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtn-dfM7Oy97uJxZS6J-36iLWLSCHp-YX3hfokvkhfj08nC8_S422fk5_ijuummMyWqvyn32Yy6mZikmtkqaC_WG33F1BciBP4B8u_g5r_R4kLiuOapGJ2Ci289Szqt1utZrOA40kUhQ/s1600/joysofhome+669.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtn-dfM7Oy97uJxZS6J-36iLWLSCHp-YX3hfokvkhfj08nC8_S422fk5_ijuummMyWqvyn32Yy6mZikmtkqaC_WG33F1BciBP4B8u_g5r_R4kLiuOapGJ2Ci289Szqt1utZrOA40kUhQ/s640/joysofhome+669.jpg" width="640" /></a>It cost less, is easier to install, yet still adds <b><span style="color: #4c1130;">architectural detail</span></b>.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxXzmxZ_I08hlgNxn9t_2tQupNs99QiMTQkg-aXzZ9cchAQ2keDnGTkz2dJKAwQPG4mYopvD62ULj3QGBbq0lVU8XMrWirlzesIerFuQ41MDHXFwzgbm0IqxMx0IWO2ldyz_Y4R4Wxt4/s1600/joysofhome+673.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxXzmxZ_I08hlgNxn9t_2tQupNs99QiMTQkg-aXzZ9cchAQ2keDnGTkz2dJKAwQPG4mYopvD62ULj3QGBbq0lVU8XMrWirlzesIerFuQ41MDHXFwzgbm0IqxMx0IWO2ldyz_Y4R4Wxt4/s640/joysofhome+673.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15571487816552446985noreply@blogger.com8