tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52700022696303782492024-02-07T08:34:48.682-05:00Polkadot FluffAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10823222412390824170noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270002269630378249.post-15622610875383056392014-04-22T09:43:00.002-04:002014-04-22T09:43:34.973-04:00What Happened?!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgVJ6sanIck4ucvB5eBvu2ySWpV0pJE8ZaDxBXq78HavdGZ-k7KepG8VDoLTEm6XVoY45ycU-JyStSr-SqGZHl-AKUnkVpZytU84kcQelNufGPS-0k7x_Bn6kV8Axs97AFZdPjo5Nk6c8/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgVJ6sanIck4ucvB5eBvu2ySWpV0pJE8ZaDxBXq78HavdGZ-k7KepG8VDoLTEm6XVoY45ycU-JyStSr-SqGZHl-AKUnkVpZytU84kcQelNufGPS-0k7x_Bn6kV8Axs97AFZdPjo5Nk6c8/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">real life right there. Family photo attempt</td></tr>
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So I've been neglecting this little part of my life over here. This tiny little blog that I enjoy writing. Why? What's happened? Nothing major. I just stepped back. I lost focus of where I wanted this adventure to take me and ended up lost in the sea of blog land. Stepping back made me realize a few things though. First, I really do need the outlet. This blog was meant to be my journal, but I let a few things get in the way. Mainly, I let jealously get the best of me. And self appreciation too. So I wanted to talk about three things today: Jealousy, Self Appreciation, and Self Fulfillment.<br />
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Jealousy.<br />
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I started this blog with the intention of using it as a kick in the rear to update our home. To keep me motivated to keep up with the projects. Yet as the months went on, and nothing new was being updated, because, <i>hello</i>, that costs money and we don't have money to spend on updates, I realized that Polkadot Fluff couldn't just be about home projects. So I began crafting and cooking. But most of what I posted was already done a thousand times over on Pinterest, and with better pictures. Then our computer broke, then the camera broke, then I kinda broke. <br />
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Every time I got online (i.e. Pinterest) I was bombarded with these blogs. Blogs that looked wonderful. Blogs that had a million followers. Blogs that people actually commented on. Blogs that if I looked closely I would of realized had been around for <i>years </i>and had paid someone to make their blog look so wonderful. But still I was broken. I talked myself out of everything. I just <i>knew</i> I could never be as good as those other bloggers. And they were all friends!! And they all go to the same conferences and are always buying super nice things (because I might just stalk one or two on Instagram *don't lie, you stalk people too*) that I could never afford. Oh the jealousy. The green eyed monster reared its ugly head bad. And that takes me to Self Appreciation.<br />
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Self Appreciation<br />
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"you is smart, you is kind, you is important"<br />
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YOU. You are wonderful, and talented and beautiful. In everything you do, even if you mess it up. These are the words that I am telling myself everyday. Because sometimes I forget. That mean ol' jealousy gets the best of me and I give up. Not anymore. Even if my blog is not the prettiest, or my Etsy shop didn't get a sale, or my new adventure (Ahoy Amigo, more on that soon!) is taking longer than I thought, does NOT mean that I need to give up. You are your worst enemy and that is the truth. I am harder on myself that anyone else. Not a single person has said one negative thing about any of those things I listed above. Those negative thoughts are all in my head. And they get me down. And I get in a funk and stay living on Funk Street until I stop the jealousy and realize that I rock! Even if the only people that realize it are my family, that is enough. (kinda, I would LOVE for the world to think I'm Awesome, come on, a girls gotta have goals) <br />
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Appreciate what you have and who you are. Because you is smart, you is kind, you is important. And don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise.<br />
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Self Fulfillment<br />
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After realizing that jealousy is in my head and it's up to me to put a stop to it, and realizing I kick butt and take names (on days that I get a good nights sleep anyway), I come to Self Fulfillment. It's up to me to make my own way. No one is going to hand me success. I have to work my tush off to make it in the big world. And I will. Just you wait. It might take me another year to get going full steam ahead, but I will. And when I do, watch out.<br />
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<br />
So back to the blog. I want to take this baby in a new direction. Instead of home projects, look for life projects and moments. I'm a mom first and for most and that will take a lead in a lot of my posts. I still craft with my kids but mostly they are messes because they are four and two. And cook? Ain't nobody got time for that. Kidding, but now that it's finally warm out, I do enjoy grilling out. A love of kid fashion might (no might about it, it'll be there) make an appearance or two. But stay tuned. I'm pretty hopeful that you will enjoy all I have in store for you!!<br />
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Enjoy, and thanks for sticking with me!<br />
StacieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10823222412390824170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270002269630378249.post-40077447874371545392014-03-05T08:15:00.000-05:002014-03-05T08:15:13.426-05:00What I'm Loving: Easter Baskets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduq30_CVTuOyaqeZJJ7c_hUK8PLXw47Myt2Pz-WQoQANEkALpxkcEkWmhvxD-QlkjV6gxktmM6zhOtoi9WVLFEDHlyaydg9nHJeLfd_ti4yErtQmnjoKUwaQ8eHidHaviwwhgdN2qPIjH/s1600/basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduq30_CVTuOyaqeZJJ7c_hUK8PLXw47Myt2Pz-WQoQANEkALpxkcEkWmhvxD-QlkjV6gxktmM6zhOtoi9WVLFEDHlyaydg9nHJeLfd_ti4yErtQmnjoKUwaQ8eHidHaviwwhgdN2qPIjH/s1600/basket.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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I feel as though Christmas was just yesterday. Maybe it's the never-ending winter that everyone is so sick of hearing about that makes it seem so. Yet, Easter is a mere month away!! If you're anything like me, you haven't even thought about what the Easter Bunny will be bringing, much less, the basket he'll stow everything in! I've rounded up a couple of super cute baskets to make your life a tad bit easier!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOWQRebguauEkyyEb4Y1mpp2K9G-mM88BvdLoLMclMky5MoOBX4sqr6mZsJRD8s6UbHN7r0OG41iEWAWz8YtSxuFcd_ucTPGYqQuoQE-Rkn_lQ3SPEaSMpLLh5aRU4_hJX7h0IiK3RDw1/s1600/easter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOWQRebguauEkyyEb4Y1mpp2K9G-mM88BvdLoLMclMky5MoOBX4sqr6mZsJRD8s6UbHN7r0OG41iEWAWz8YtSxuFcd_ucTPGYqQuoQE-Rkn_lQ3SPEaSMpLLh5aRU4_hJX7h0IiK3RDw1/s1600/easter.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
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Source List:</div>
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1. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123634520/fabric-easter-basket-candy-bucket-bin?ref=sr_gallery_22&ga_search_query=easter+basket&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank">Etsy</a> $18</div>
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2. <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/lavender-fairy-tulle-liners/?pkey=ceaster-shop-all-baskets&" target="_blank">Pottery Barn Kids</a> $29</div>
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3. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/178014592/personalized-easter-basket-bucket-custom?ref=sr_gallery_7&ga_search_query=easter+basket&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank">Etsy</a> $24</div>
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4. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/180823664/personalized-easter-basket-small-large?ref=sr_gallery_27&ga_search_query=easter+basket&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank">Etsy</a> $37</div>
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5. <a href="http://www.target.com/p/solid-painted-chipwood-basket-without-liner/-/A-14896234#prodSlot=medium_1_36&term=easter%20basket" target="_blank">Target</a> $12</div>
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You have plenty of time to order and customize these baskets!<br />
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Enjoy<br />
xo StacieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10823222412390824170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270002269630378249.post-46484568061930352982014-03-03T09:06:00.000-05:002014-03-03T09:06:53.078-05:00Spring clean like its not 15 degrees outsideIt's <i>that</i> time of year again. Yup. I said it. Spring Cleaning time. I started my list a little early, or is it right on time but we've had such a never-ending winter that it just seems early? Either way, when it does finally warm up here in Kentucky, the <i>last</i> thing I want to do is spend my days inside cleaning. I can't wait to play outside without 16 layers of clothes on. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbLWhbH61I6ZAfrKnmLk6-A3xog180lwrM9MBT9pfk11Y292nIkD3ucC0JWekt8yPfLeTqR7Ka00Y1THIHXvyOLrhSXngFWPG1Q-5IjhXwtJXfR4X2dwAYjp08yUCYw0uhxYlM5zVM0z7/s1600/0829196bb8b14caf0752165a4d76f326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbLWhbH61I6ZAfrKnmLk6-A3xog180lwrM9MBT9pfk11Y292nIkD3ucC0JWekt8yPfLeTqR7Ka00Y1THIHXvyOLrhSXngFWPG1Q-5IjhXwtJXfR4X2dwAYjp08yUCYw0uhxYlM5zVM0z7/s1600/0829196bb8b14caf0752165a4d76f326.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are a ton of spring cleaning lists available via Pinterest. Or you can be all cool like me and just write one down on a scrap piece of paper and then lose it three times. OR you can get fancy and print this list out.</div>
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I found this list on Pinterest from Ballard Designs (have you seen their stuff? <i>AWESOME</i>!) You can download a printable copy <a href="http://www.howtodecorate.com/2014/02/indoor-spring-cleaning-checklist/" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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I'm actually going to print this list and tape it to every room in my house. Maybe I'll actually finish this year. Or not. But a girls gotta have goals right?</div>
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<h4 style="background-color: white; color: rgb(51, 51, 51) !important; font-family: Raleway, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 19px !important; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px !important; text-transform: uppercase !important;">
WHOLE HOUSEHOLD</h4>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #8a8a8a; font-family: 'Noto Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px;">
□ Check the batteries in all smoke and CO detectors<br />
□ Check and replace light bulbs<br />
□ Clean air vents<br />
□ Wash baseboards, doorframes and doors with mild soap and water<br />
□ Dust light fixtures, fans and ceiling<br />
□ Thoroughly dust shelves and their contents, including books and decorative objects<br />
□ Wipe walls and touch-up with paint where necessary<br />
□ Polish wood floors or wax non-wood floors<br />
□ Clean and/or polish metal door and window hardware<br />
□ Take area rugs outside and beat out trapped dirt and air out<br />
□ Deep clean carpets<br />
□ Clean window treatments: wash or dry-clean draperies and fabric shades, dust wooden blinds with damp cloth, wash vinyl blinds with mild soap and water</div>
<h4 style="background-color: white; color: rgb(51, 51, 51) !important; font-family: Raleway, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 19px !important; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px !important; text-transform: uppercase !important;">
KITCHEN</h4>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #8a8a8a; font-family: 'Noto Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px;">
□ Deep clean stove: replace reflector bulbs on electric stove, wash knobs and burners, soak and clean hood vents and run self-clean function or clean inside of stove and racks by hand<br />
□ Dust refrigerator coils; vacuum between refrigerator and counters<br />
□ Defrost freezer; clean out freezer and refrigerator and clean with baking soda and water<br />
□ Dust the tops of cabinets and refrigerator; wipe down cabinet fronts<br />
□ Clean inside cabinets and drawers<br />
□ Clean out and reorganize pantry or cupboard; throw out expired items<br />
□ Clean out food trap in dishwasher</div>
<h4 style="background-color: white; color: rgb(51, 51, 51) !important; font-family: Raleway, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 19px !important; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px !important; text-transform: uppercase !important;">
LIVING SPACES</h4>
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□ Swap out heavyweight <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/rugs-windows/category/windows/all/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">curtains</a> and <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/fabric-slipcovers/category/slipcovers/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">slipcovers</a> for lightweight ones; wash or dry-clean winter linens before storing<br />
□ Trade heavyweight <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/decor-pillows/category/pillows-throws/all-pillows/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">pillows</a> for light, bright ones<br />
□ Clean out fireplace</div>
<h4 style="background-color: white; color: rgb(51, 51, 51) !important; font-family: Raleway, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 19px !important; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px !important; text-transform: uppercase !important;">
BATHROOMS</h4>
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□ Replace <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/bed-bath/category/bath/shower-curtains/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">shower curtains</a> and/or liners<br />
□ Seal cracked tile or grout<br />
□ Fix leaky fixtures or slow drains<br />
□ Take down fan cover and wash with soap and water<br />
□ Clean inside cabinets and drawers; discard expired medicines and cosmetics<br />
□ Update first-aid kit</div>
<h4 style="background-color: white; color: rgb(51, 51, 51) !important; font-family: Raleway, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 19px !important; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px !important; text-transform: uppercase !important;">
CLOSETS</h4>
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□ <a href="http://www.howtodecorate.com/2013/10/organize-your-entryway-or-mudroom/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Clean out entry/mudroom closet</a> and swap out winter gear for summer gear<br />
□ <a href="http://www.howtodecorate.com/2013/02/how-to-organize-a-closet/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Organize bedroom closets</a> and replace cold-weather clothing with warm-weather clothing; wash or dry-clean garments before storing or donating them<br />
□ <a href="http://www.howtodecorate.com/2014/01/how-to-organize-a-linen-closet/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Organize linen closet</a> and replace worn out or stained <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/bed-bath/category/bath/towels/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">towels</a> and <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/bed-bath/category/bedding/sheets/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">sheets</a></div>
<h4 style="background-color: white; color: rgb(51, 51, 51) !important; font-family: Raleway, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 19px !important; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px !important; text-transform: uppercase !important;">
BEDROOMS</h4>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #8a8a8a; font-family: 'Noto Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px;">
□ Rotate mattress (and flip if it’s not pillow top) to distribute wear evenly<br />
□ Wash all pillows and bed skirt to rid them of stains, mold and bacteria<br />
□ Replace cold-weather bedding with warm-weather <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/bed-bath/category/bedding/sheets/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">bedding</a>; wash or dry-clean bedding before storing<br />
□ <a href="http://www.howtodecorate.com/2013/02/bedroom-organization-tips/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Organize bedroom storage spaces</a></div>
<h4 style="background-color: white; color: rgb(51, 51, 51) !important; font-family: Raleway, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 19px !important; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px !important; text-transform: uppercase !important;">
UTILITY SPACES</h4>
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□ Run white vinegar through the washing machine to sanitize and clear soap scum<br />
□ Wipe out the inside of the dryer to remove lint buildup with a wash cloth dampened with mild soap and water<br />
□ Wipe down the outside of both appliances<br />
□ Vacuum or dust behind appliances<br />
□ Wash or vacuum lint trap<br />
□ Vacuum with a crevice attachment or use duster to clear lint from inside the dryer hose<br />
□ <a href="http://www.howtodecorate.com/2013/03/how-to-organize-your-laundry-room/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Organize laundry room storage and cleaning supplies</a></div>
<h4 style="background-color: white; color: rgb(51, 51, 51) !important; font-family: Raleway, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 19px !important; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px !important; text-transform: uppercase !important;">
HOME OFFICE</h4>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #8a8a8a; font-family: 'Noto Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px;">
□ Review and reorganize files: update policies and home inventory and shred unwanted documents<br />
□ Clean out and reorganize drawers<br />
□ Clean computers: wipe down computer and screen with dampened lint-free cloth and clean out keyboard using a can of compressed air<br />
□ Back up your computer and delete unwanted files and applications</div>
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Enjoy and stay warm!</div>
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xo Stacie</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10823222412390824170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270002269630378249.post-15814334336066411092014-02-27T10:45:00.002-05:002014-02-27T10:45:28.911-05:00A new AdventureMy daughter starts kindergarten next year. Next year is also when my husband and I have agreed I'll join the workforce again (because one in daycare is a lot cheaper than two). I don't know what I want to be when I grow up. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEiIu7M9-jDPRI0_93RNRJh1hRg-q340j56rh0D9VcmFNn0Lj5DdWKhN3QlTtS2fI8sd1bHYo7_L7LxRrbyH9zDh3zLRQiC5pP9jemtjUJMrBcAZMpF55M1YALL3S4UtSVWc8guyxBmee/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEiIu7M9-jDPRI0_93RNRJh1hRg-q340j56rh0D9VcmFNn0Lj5DdWKhN3QlTtS2fI8sd1bHYo7_L7LxRrbyH9zDh3zLRQiC5pP9jemtjUJMrBcAZMpF55M1YALL3S4UtSVWc8guyxBmee/s1600/photo.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I feel as though the job I choose will in some ways determine what kind of person I am. There are so many things that I want to portray myself as. Determined, creative, kind, personable, funny, intelligent. I love being home with my children. Yes, they know how to push every. single. button. I have, but watching them learn and grow and knowing that I have so much control over it all, just fills me with a profound joy. I have decided that whatever I choose to do must involve some aspect of creativity.<br />
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If you follow me on Instagram (<a href="http://instagram.com/polkadotfluff" target="_blank">polkadotfluff</a>), you have seen some of the t-shirts I started making the kiddos. They LOVE them. and slowly people started requesting them for their own kids (or theirselves!). My sister suggested I open an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shop, and I thought, well why not?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaVUfYq5rTMU3LoXupJTUolckpf6gOMCN1PyboTzpuB2JUYsAkDPRhxDL-p6qBEkU4x5NK7mV7pBuXMpyPDKtirnrzcRzshw7fvdLk_o-Cb4tcPNsYt_agn8LqIfpLATqFyWr1Q3aZSnB/s1600/polkadotfluffcreations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaVUfYq5rTMU3LoXupJTUolckpf6gOMCN1PyboTzpuB2JUYsAkDPRhxDL-p6qBEkU4x5NK7mV7pBuXMpyPDKtirnrzcRzshw7fvdLk_o-Cb4tcPNsYt_agn8LqIfpLATqFyWr1Q3aZSnB/s1600/polkadotfluffcreations.jpg" height="236" width="640" /></a></div>
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So officially, Polkadot Fluff is now also an <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/polkadotfluff" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>! Please come and check out my designs. I'm constantly adding new ones! I take all kinds of custom orders and have tons, TONS of ideas. Just need the time to bring them to life!! I am totally selling myself to you right now, and I'm not ashamed of it at all! I want this shop to be my job. I can be home with my children and I can be creative every single day. I seriously enjoy making each creation, and seeing other people enjoy it is just amazing!<br />
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Thanks so much for letting me sell myself to you!!<br />
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xo StacieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10823222412390824170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270002269630378249.post-28937432165116159272014-02-24T08:00:00.000-05:002014-02-24T08:00:14.929-05:00Party: A Fox 2nd Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCWuaFGshshTHDzxggPbvH-C_PbaA1mMCPvwYm7okZlfcA9o6q16pmXRCUmjqdJmUkViIaq8dkRFqFt0vseqrxGXwSHZQGnO3XDRogwtH0Yd2rgGRU4j5oILCcnkbVFGKzBZAWH2f6xtj/s1600/foxparty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCWuaFGshshTHDzxggPbvH-C_PbaA1mMCPvwYm7okZlfcA9o6q16pmXRCUmjqdJmUkViIaq8dkRFqFt0vseqrxGXwSHZQGnO3XDRogwtH0Yd2rgGRU4j5oILCcnkbVFGKzBZAWH2f6xtj/s1600/foxparty.jpg" height="640" width="378" /></a></div>
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Our littlest recently turned two, and it's like a switch was thrown. He has tried every bit of patience I have in my body. But it's ok, he makes up for with his kisses and cuddles, so we'll let him slide this time. <br />
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You know those trends you see on Pinterest and you can only hope to be so cool? Well I think I finally managed to "be cool". I had big ideas for Little Man's 2nd birthday. I'm talking arrows and teepees and little craft stations for all the kids. Then I remembered that he's turning two and doesn't really have friends yet (he stays home with me all day). So I backed up and went back to the drawing board. Or as I like to call it, Pinterest.<br />
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I came up with foxes. What's cooler than foxes right now? Probably a lot of things but do me a favor and keep them to yourself. I wanted to keep it simple *read: <i>cheap</i>, so I choose two colors and an accent to mainly decorate with. Then I set out to hand make anything I could.<br />
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Source List:<br />
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Cupcake toppers: handmade with card stock<br />
Mossy Two: Cardboard letters and moss from Hobby Lobby<br />
Paper Straws: Knot & Bow etsy shop<br />
Glitter "2" candle: Dollar store candle covered in glitter<br />
Goodie Bags: Bags from Hobby Lobby, handmade foxes<br />
Fox masks: handmade<br />
Fox sign: Handpainted<br />
Marshmallow stand: styrofoam covered in moss from JoAnns<br />
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Here are a few photos taken during the party thanks to my wonderful neighbor :)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcDjX1YLYvNU7svRINrw7LszROTETK0mW1HTQzjPCVbzvsK8SYQp5McpfD6hrrSpBWGYUgDrlUEutvuWqS_7hW8X8Af1Nkd4cweXRuylSwP1H_ILcU65LGVcg_SoJXSZVyRm35-OSb5nB/s1600/DSC_5595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcDjX1YLYvNU7svRINrw7LszROTETK0mW1HTQzjPCVbzvsK8SYQp5McpfD6hrrSpBWGYUgDrlUEutvuWqS_7hW8X8Af1Nkd4cweXRuylSwP1H_ILcU65LGVcg_SoJXSZVyRm35-OSb5nB/s1600/DSC_5595.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls loved Little Man's birthday present</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCII5TprRrAzeeVs_nOs-0hv6f34HB0X8eh8D1_-mT-0OC19AUp28TkLeaBFzGoYnhJW-BedwCpyYKANTws2KrXmliFjBTYZT1AoYCxmJECvmcCBYOo80sfJofTYvAJHXZ_PqlVbjot1G2/s1600/DSC_5611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCII5TprRrAzeeVs_nOs-0hv6f34HB0X8eh8D1_-mT-0OC19AUp28TkLeaBFzGoYnhJW-BedwCpyYKANTws2KrXmliFjBTYZT1AoYCxmJECvmcCBYOo80sfJofTYvAJHXZ_PqlVbjot1G2/s1600/DSC_5611.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">please ignore my hideous face!! and apparently I have multiple chins </td></tr>
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Little Man blew his own candle out and then tore into his gifts. We are very blessed to have so many loving family and friends to surround us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAyDcO1xr6OUwjP-gUaryUJ7AxFu3KcM3O4K15WuyWmgX0MpAuuWtB9HVVF-XCzjGAUWIcvgeFjR_oZqFforxTJvPsQ-8_NWpqpjNqIJemjWvaoaIi63s-Xxc4hdQ9EK-1mrJx_3tmp80/s1600/DSC_5631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAyDcO1xr6OUwjP-gUaryUJ7AxFu3KcM3O4K15WuyWmgX0MpAuuWtB9HVVF-XCzjGAUWIcvgeFjR_oZqFforxTJvPsQ-8_NWpqpjNqIJemjWvaoaIi63s-Xxc4hdQ9EK-1mrJx_3tmp80/s1600/DSC_5631.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we three sisters, who dress alike and act alike :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiU7G4mVSxRTXHc0REN8gC01r8cRLOk1ibYAYRhQS_XZWxuH-iHskHH1D1rPjd8PhTgORusqXXohg8-gtZ8lLp5tkgQiYg0XRUobMHHgdg-3RJPHEFIFl9M8eokSplWrOjj3zEbaPZA88Q/s1600/DSC_5642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiU7G4mVSxRTXHc0REN8gC01r8cRLOk1ibYAYRhQS_XZWxuH-iHskHH1D1rPjd8PhTgORusqXXohg8-gtZ8lLp5tkgQiYg0XRUobMHHgdg-3RJPHEFIFl9M8eokSplWrOjj3zEbaPZA88Q/s1600/DSC_5642.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a troop of foxes! I totally googled what a group of foxes was called. </td></tr>
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Thanks to much! I hope you enjoyed it and can reap inspiration from it all!<br />
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xo, Stacie<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10823222412390824170noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270002269630378249.post-68899282146428963952014-02-17T08:25:00.001-05:002014-02-17T08:25:03.930-05:00Word of the year: ContentI know it's been awhile on the posts. Don't give up on me just yet. Blogging is new to me and while I love doing it, daily life sometimes just gets in the way. Or I just get easily distracted. Either way I promise to be working on a better blogging schedule and more house updates.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmZGp7jVRDn4AXU2CaEVYs2c6q4EB0l2drPlRKg9XxrN9Zz9pt04_Sqe4Xk2sV5-ev6DVT16tj4QIo6s_EotDxQDWrzgQEtX7tklcjVwCkwvvr_njt0G1VFiIUufVbS1ZeWXVM-sS1HhV/s640/blogger-image-1429866416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmZGp7jVRDn4AXU2CaEVYs2c6q4EB0l2drPlRKg9XxrN9Zz9pt04_Sqe4Xk2sV5-ev6DVT16tj4QIo6s_EotDxQDWrzgQEtX7tklcjVwCkwvvr_njt0G1VFiIUufVbS1ZeWXVM-sS1HhV/s640/blogger-image-1429866416.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We've actually been working on our main bathroom but have since halted said work while trying to decide just how finished we want to go this year (were slow we know). We've had another major milestone this past weekend as Little Man turned two!! If you follow me on Instagram (polkadotfluff) then you've already seen some awesome projects and birthday pictures! More to come this week I promise! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoWRdWPr2OfVlpKP4cAAVSpLOX4PMf7-Wnnt-TVq_sCkuWDjT8ZJqe9S6InSacOB1fxxW9N6LldVv-Rfvh0t-1C1gIG0-D0y96nxDySACQn6Il-OquO-mgNxU8IOH1GBoV6l_kWgRycIC/s640/blogger-image--1484313695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoWRdWPr2OfVlpKP4cAAVSpLOX4PMf7-Wnnt-TVq_sCkuWDjT8ZJqe9S6InSacOB1fxxW9N6LldVv-Rfvh0t-1C1gIG0-D0y96nxDySACQn6Il-OquO-mgNxU8IOH1GBoV6l_kWgRycIC/s640/blogger-image--1484313695.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I wanted to express my thoughts on 2014 so far. A lot if other way cooler than I'll ever be bloggers started the year by explaining their "word" of the year. A little late on the action but here's mine. "Content". To be content with ourselves is to be happy. I am <i>always</i> comparing myself to others. Especially other bloggers. Constantly putting myself down sayin I'll never be that good, I can never start my own business, I can never wear those clothes, etc etc etc. It's heartbreaking to me when I finally stop and look around at <i>what I already have. </i>I have everything I need to be happy. I just need to stop harping on myself. And be content. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmfseSF92EKyWidXoGWUVaUTRKP7vaSRvOmhdlJz7vihRHOwk8iC1voTOl5uWUG56aOC-cmYhW6o2arSVco1dW6KQQbPSHaw6WSoiJjRspXvGXqY04kTQK0i0XgaLnsbrmaQ7VbdEcBpg/s640/blogger-image-2042834777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmfseSF92EKyWidXoGWUVaUTRKP7vaSRvOmhdlJz7vihRHOwk8iC1voTOl5uWUG56aOC-cmYhW6o2arSVco1dW6KQQbPSHaw6WSoiJjRspXvGXqY04kTQK0i0XgaLnsbrmaQ7VbdEcBpg/s640/blogger-image-2042834777.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>My children don't care what I wear (well sometimes Little Miss will exact her opinion upon me and it's not always complimentary). They are content to run around in fleece pants and a mismatched tee shirt (or naked as the newly two yr old seems to want to do every day). </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIT6iQ16FysuUkfFQQ-zN8Oo7Ff5tBO4hFKct5NwCyD8FI0xA7V7Y2RDINTcbHzoPl-v3AeDmqZRDOe9RCyluhCybhcDtuehy-jZA77BYLV4RnDCWRRAqpxpvQJcLhImDH4PwsXcpz9161/s640/blogger-image-847487729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIT6iQ16FysuUkfFQQ-zN8Oo7Ff5tBO4hFKct5NwCyD8FI0xA7V7Y2RDINTcbHzoPl-v3AeDmqZRDOe9RCyluhCybhcDtuehy-jZA77BYLV4RnDCWRRAqpxpvQJcLhImDH4PwsXcpz9161/s640/blogger-image-847487729.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>So for 2014 I will still strive for my goals. Whether I reach them or not is on me and me alone. I will try my best to be content with all I have and not want what others have most likely strived and worked hard for. I will be happy just doing what I love everyday, parenting, crafting, reading, being content. </div></div><div><br></div><div>Xo Stacie </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10823222412390824170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270002269630378249.post-89674068373500497512014-02-07T08:00:00.000-05:002014-02-07T08:00:07.206-05:00Gifts: Valentine's Day for under $25<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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Valentine's Day doesn't have to involve candy or roses that die three days later. For the same price you can treat your loved one to something they will keep around for a long time (well I guess you can count the pounds you pack on from all that candy as something you keep around for a long time, but let's not go there). Even the dog can be treated this Valentine's Day! Here's my picks for Valentine's Day gifts under $25.<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/valentines_gifts/set?.embedder=8342087&.svc=blogger&id=112621635" target="_blank"><img alt="Valentines gifts" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/L6uKf6936VCz7ef85ng2jw/cid/112621635/id/oqvhzT2P4xGLx1D1O-wIHA/size/c600x499.jpg" force="1" height="499" title="Valentines gifts" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/valentines_gifts/set?.embedder=8342087&.svc=blogger&id=112621635" target="_blank">Valentines gifts</a> by <a href="http://polkadotfluff.polyvore.com/?.embedder=8342087&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">polkadotfluff</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/wood_signs/shop?query=wood+signs" target="_blank">wood signs</a></small><br />
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1. A super cute heart shirt for her. <a href="http://hellomerch.com/collections/helloapparel/products/hello-valentines-day-white-t-shirt" target="_blank">Hellomerch.com $22</a></div>
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2. Something for the dog to <strike>destroy</strike> love. <a href="http://www.wayfair.com/MultiPet-Valentine-Loof-Dog-Toy-784369392142-MHP1125.html?SSAID=256758&refid=SS256758" target="_blank">Wayfair.com $8</a></div>
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3. For him. Because guys are hard to shop for. <a href="http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/item/Love-You-More-Than-Bacon-Decorative-Sign/3303_035/511242.html" target="_blank">Papersource.com $11</a></div>
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4. Something for that Little Lady in your life. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/109167173/wine-red-bow-tie-necklace-women-bowtie" target="_blank">Etsy.com $11</a></div>
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5. What Little Man doesn't look dapper in a bowtie? <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/176463763/redwhite-pin-dots-polka-dot-bow-tie?ref=shop_home_active_11" target="_blank">Etsy.com $16</a></div>
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6. And don't forget to splurge on your woman. She deserves more than just a t-shirt. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/99761974/bright-pink-glitter-heart-earrings" target="_blank">Etsy.com $15</a></div>
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I hope this Valentine's Day you get everything you want and more. (Secretly I want chocolate. But that t-shirt also looks very comfy.) Enjoy your weekend!</div>
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xo Stacie</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10823222412390824170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270002269630378249.post-60626716628484906432014-02-05T09:02:00.001-05:002014-02-05T10:03:10.655-05:00DIY: Easy Pendant Banner <div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27Bv4L5Tq-Bfl2BqZYW3B5LHD6M8KBkjby3r5glUWNEiEIA1PrPbuSEMCFOoHE-T43iJljtII7q82060oVkYbzWj5mZNvYk786omBBFsX05LOPWoJts6WCKXRBLxOGFhzMo_gaOE4KJvH/s640/blogger-image-1198707098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27Bv4L5Tq-Bfl2BqZYW3B5LHD6M8KBkjby3r5glUWNEiEIA1PrPbuSEMCFOoHE-T43iJljtII7q82060oVkYbzWj5mZNvYk786omBBFsX05LOPWoJts6WCKXRBLxOGFhzMo_gaOE4KJvH/s640/blogger-image-1198707098.jpg" /></a></div>
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Holy bananas! Who pissed off Queen Elsa?! I don't know about you but ain't nobody got time for all this snow and ice we're getting around here. I've been attempting to create projects around the house that require me to not leave the house. Mainly because I can't. Leave, that is.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLpyhaNC2plITBJLHZ4Peiyl7y-2iwaw6IftLldA_k76-BWFmoPaomO2rY232LY5dmn-FxPPL-hsiI4BhOmUTZ3_ny_iirvED2R7kWsDw9nLYQ_1DPHaKgybS40EHQDKYDRYMJwlkawnL/s640/blogger-image-1650279775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLpyhaNC2plITBJLHZ4Peiyl7y-2iwaw6IftLldA_k76-BWFmoPaomO2rY232LY5dmn-FxPPL-hsiI4BhOmUTZ3_ny_iirvED2R7kWsDw9nLYQ_1DPHaKgybS40EHQDKYDRYMJwlkawnL/s640/blogger-image-1650279775.jpg" /></a></div>
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Last night I whipped up this cute little pendant banner for Little Man's new big boy room. I'm just not cool enough to throw things in a room and make them look awesome, so I came up with a theme to keep me on track. His rooms theme is travel/little explorer. So this "brave" banner fits in nicely. </div>
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All you need for this quick project is:</div>
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Felt- 2 pieces</div>
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A dowel rod </div>
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Needle and thread or sewing machine</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREdHc5FH8vJxZbnPFm7MLqWz2hXOpSxm9uLjyjoRvinHzrSDAObaicsThpsPamvT_uscqvzC_dnQhFSGdputQOynUujyg6xVu7g3CQ8VhbYO3Lg6Yn726aJkVC9mdDUDbgFC8os2DfIwL/s640/blogger-image-1640809259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREdHc5FH8vJxZbnPFm7MLqWz2hXOpSxm9uLjyjoRvinHzrSDAObaicsThpsPamvT_uscqvzC_dnQhFSGdputQOynUujyg6xVu7g3CQ8VhbYO3Lg6Yn726aJkVC9mdDUDbgFC8os2DfIwL/s640/blogger-image-1640809259.jpg" /></a></div>
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Start by deciding what you want your banner to say. Remember to keep it simple and short but fun! Brave boys only barely fit! After you decide your saying, trace the letters out on your felt. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuehjfDelX6EbS0t5DzGZzlxtsgQbdpcjez21uMnwznptYVnZYPDc3ZDusmhAKiF75QrUYsJLcQ_vu9HCwRsxItsN7Zt_KMQpxM-Xw-1lONTnXfrpK3-TpSfq5zm2hdPQ0q5OgO5QEBSy/s640/blogger-image-929880093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuehjfDelX6EbS0t5DzGZzlxtsgQbdpcjez21uMnwznptYVnZYPDc3ZDusmhAKiF75QrUYsJLcQ_vu9HCwRsxItsN7Zt_KMQpxM-Xw-1lONTnXfrpK3-TpSfq5zm2hdPQ0q5OgO5QEBSy/s640/blogger-image-929880093.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5SnK5yBaFRZKqQlojwCZ9PZUc2RZKdfNdBvOtRqlsjP6gUpFuCt-EGMFzEGkCXu-M4LzOXsvRvpVzADr5AUizTCvf1Ce9swdzHYaHVlcmK3q52MKRwhyphenhyphenNZLfAycGUuNLWh9vX3vH-uir/s640/blogger-image-517223755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5SnK5yBaFRZKqQlojwCZ9PZUc2RZKdfNdBvOtRqlsjP6gUpFuCt-EGMFzEGkCXu-M4LzOXsvRvpVzADr5AUizTCvf1Ce9swdzHYaHVlcmK3q52MKRwhyphenhyphenNZLfAycGUuNLWh9vX3vH-uir/s640/blogger-image-517223755.jpg" /></a></div>
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Fold your second piece of felt hotdog style and cut the felt into pendant shape. Place your dowel rod at the top and fold over the rod to form a tunnel. Pin your felt so that you can keep it at a straight line (or if you're a beast, eyeball that ish and then celebrate because you're a beast). Using your sewing machine, or by hand, sew a straight line on your folded over felt. When you're done, you should be able to stick your dowel rod all the way through. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWRC1TOHte4jsHMRAMZm_VtJlI5y4LJDZpvXZd7ZRbgz2K7H006rxfs5gZ5jEs96Kq3I85S-8AdkG2c5l4gEp-M0k2OQIcuJ4AH5QCa0heFq3yWNfyzgSNlURG_XDLJd50JVJ0NvV4GpT/s640/blogger-image-493411973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWRC1TOHte4jsHMRAMZm_VtJlI5y4LJDZpvXZd7ZRbgz2K7H006rxfs5gZ5jEs96Kq3I85S-8AdkG2c5l4gEp-M0k2OQIcuJ4AH5QCa0heFq3yWNfyzgSNlURG_XDLJd50JVJ0NvV4GpT/s640/blogger-image-493411973.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2yyQ4qMnYrR8R5GrzrgyAvdXFGcAsoRG70RvuyyXyqc8EsgeOnicqgXlS_3bkLVUH9SARO-8EiwKu95HwLY7XSTuOVPTVBiC5SJDxRMLxTiK58nlfOjrIMFuuCIAtl2PHeDXzkEzUaLU/s640/blogger-image--366523322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2yyQ4qMnYrR8R5GrzrgyAvdXFGcAsoRG70RvuyyXyqc8EsgeOnicqgXlS_3bkLVUH9SARO-8EiwKu95HwLY7XSTuOVPTVBiC5SJDxRMLxTiK58nlfOjrIMFuuCIAtl2PHeDXzkEzUaLU/s640/blogger-image--366523322.jpg" /></a></div>
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After carefully cutting out your letters while watching your oldest kid play in the snow through a window because your littlest doesn't like playing in snow up to his knees (or you could just cut the letters out. It's up to you), arrange them on your banner how you want them to look. Carefully apply the glue (I used tacky glue) so that when you press down the glue doesn't come squirting out the edges. Glue down all your letters and then tie your string to the dowel rod so you can hang it up!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bVuDFpT7vaGFWQQfBkoh2JpPXu77cOe-9dNEuKStM8m-c4ZpYHBtD9mprx3dWInB5akm6wBjwuS8lD15pQVHwIoeXGeDXjfTiXC6WeY4Imp7zNobv6X_LseN0NqzYMxj2E_JR2FTx4tc/s640/blogger-image-1229088408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bVuDFpT7vaGFWQQfBkoh2JpPXu77cOe-9dNEuKStM8m-c4ZpYHBtD9mprx3dWInB5akm6wBjwuS8lD15pQVHwIoeXGeDXjfTiXC6WeY4Imp7zNobv6X_LseN0NqzYMxj2E_JR2FTx4tc/s640/blogger-image-1229088408.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7UDM_IiIAJz1DuKgMsGRIxRNDFmwZRX7NJOwC4xI6HYzkOb8G7GbOVVwNBI7RBG2zH2CAR1XmYMKYoAGPuU1pEvMJ4BiRmL9xxq16vgZSeR-Lj8_XTMNX5GlfaHPDMTzw64roK_j5E40/s640/blogger-image-1110363202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7UDM_IiIAJz1DuKgMsGRIxRNDFmwZRX7NJOwC4xI6HYzkOb8G7GbOVVwNBI7RBG2zH2CAR1XmYMKYoAGPuU1pEvMJ4BiRmL9xxq16vgZSeR-Lj8_XTMNX5GlfaHPDMTzw64roK_j5E40/s640/blogger-image-1110363202.jpg" /></a></div>
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Tada! Easy diy pendant banner! You can customize this however you want. And if I were to add up how much it cost, it would be under $5 but I had everything on hand from various projects and birthday parties. This is a great time passer if you are also stuck inside this week. Fingers crossed this winter storm is over soon!!</div>
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Xo Stacie</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10823222412390824170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270002269630378249.post-81468127807283375302014-01-29T09:18:00.004-05:002014-01-29T10:03:09.650-05:00What I'm loving Wednesdays<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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I'm rolling out a new feature for Wednesdays, mostly because my camera is still being fixed and that limits the amount of projects I can share. So without further ado.... What I'm Loving Wednesdays!</div>
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I will showcase a few things that I am currently head over heels for (which is a lot actually).</div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/toys_im_loving/set?.embedder=8342087&.svc=blogger&id=111795557" target="_blank"><img alt="Toys I'm Loving" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/UqPPGQ9ayKytiIUACArZg/cid/111795557/id/9AJ-SeuI4xGLTPrgZFZllw/size/c600x467.jpg" force="1" height="467" title="Toys I'm Loving" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/toys_im_loving/set?.embedder=8342087&.svc=blogger&id=111795557" target="_blank">Toys I'm Loving</a> by <a href="http://polkadotfluff.polyvore.com/?.embedder=8342087&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">polkadotfluff</a> on <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/" target="_blank">Polyvore</a></small></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8342087&.svc=blogger&id=100750211" rel="nofollow">Janod Alphabet Puzzle</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8342087&.svc=blogger&id=90474019" rel="nofollow">Wooden Balance Bike</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8342087&.svc=blogger&id=100999867" rel="nofollow">Plastic Cruiser Skateboard Complete 22" DIY Banana Board Blue/Pink</a></small></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This weeks post follows along with what I <a href="http://polkadotfluff.blogspot.com/2014/01/whats-been-weighing-on-my-mind.html%20Done" target="_blank">shared on Monday</a>. I'm trying to eliminate the excess of toys in our house and only keep/purchase ones that allow the kids to use their brains or keep them active (or both. <i>That</i> would be nice). If you follow me on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/polkadotf" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, you may of noticed my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/polkadotf/gifts-from-the-heart/" target="_blank">Gifts from the heart board.</a> It's filled with gift ideas that follow my new family guidelines or are things that I personally can make myself for the kids. I feel that handmade gifts are the same as organic foods. You know what's in them. These toys I choose are educational, active and fun.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Xo Stacie</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10823222412390824170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270002269630378249.post-83558705815502119442014-01-27T08:54:00.002-05:002014-01-27T10:58:05.530-05:00What's been weighing on my mindI plan on not buying any toys this year.<br>
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My kids are spoiled. There, I said it. I will freely admit defeat. They are loved and happy, and spoiled. They just have too. much. stuff. Not only are their rooms filled to the brim with toys, so is an entire playroom in the basement. It's not that they are bad kids by any means (although they have their moments, usually at the most embarrassing times), but they don't appreciate what they have. Yes, I know my kids are 4 and almost 2, but you have to start young right?<br>
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We are dealing with an issue of destruction. My kids are destroyers. The 23 month old, yes. It's perfectly normal at this age to still destroy things. It is a "what happens when I do this" phase that I can't <i>wait</i> to end. The four year old. Nope, she just thinks that if something happens to one of her toys, that someone will just replace it. And I am guilty of it. When her beloved Ariel was eaten by the dog last year? I ordered one online and it showed up fully intact before she could even say Sebastian three times. But no more. This year my goal is to teach her about appreciation. Less is more and all that crap.<br>
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I spent the weekend de cluttering both kids rooms. Took an entire toy box out of the littlest ones room. And don't get me wrong. There are still toys in their rooms. Race cars, trains and tracks, and dinosaurs still live in Little Man's room, along with about a hundred books. Little Miss still has her puzzles, books, My Little Ponies, and Barbies. Things that have the little pieces that I still have to keep away from the littlest. Everything else was thrown in the basement, which looks like a toy store threw up in by the way. <br>
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In my own honest opinion, my kids don't need to have a lot of toys. The best toy in the world is already in their head. Imagination should be nourished and grown. You should be able to throw your kid outside with a stick and they should be able to spend an entire afternoon playing. <br>
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Don't get me wrong though. I will still give my children things. But those things will be educational, creative inducing, active toys. The number one present I can't wait to give my kids this year? Their own skateboards. It will keep them active, they can race, learn a new trait, or just sit on it and roll. <br>
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I want to teach my children that less is more. We don't have to have everything in the world to make us happy. It's most likely a leading cause of divorce and why most Americans are unhappy. We want everything because we expect everything handed to us. My children are slowly becoming the same way, and I want to put a stop to it now. <br>
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What's the number one thing you wish to teach your children this year?<br>
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xo StacieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10823222412390824170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270002269630378249.post-25685597419096089062014-01-24T10:51:00.001-05:002014-01-24T10:51:44.538-05:00"Dino"mite valentines + Free Printables!<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNExoAcSsMiIMmywOf8UuKfQEE-KGNuw3e-mNvYCb1027O55Jc4aCAEoHnV2M8xRWCoHOALEQ_VqCFqkE7TNOqxTLZHmI0OV8MJStAetha3IH6D7EH78S066XLye1Yllu76t2cE-8fskI/s640/blogger-image--82324754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNExoAcSsMiIMmywOf8UuKfQEE-KGNuw3e-mNvYCb1027O55Jc4aCAEoHnV2M8xRWCoHOALEQ_VqCFqkE7TNOqxTLZHmI0OV8MJStAetha3IH6D7EH78S066XLye1Yllu76t2cE-8fskI/s640/blogger-image--82324754.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*please excuse my horrible iphone photos, the nice camera is on its way to the shop for repairs, apparently two year olds and nice things don't mix*</span><br />
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Now that Little Miss is in "school"(Mother's Day out), I get a little too excited about all her class parties and the holidays she gets to celebrate with other little people. Valentine's Day is no exception. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPgRKIMWNfcwGn_ppdJdpwHMkGcrlJEr_XhnBadlUA1ULqX_XWsYvN20DYjDhE3N1V2yWz4h3IzOXj47WS1SHsQ35msoCGvXpaocUxnXceHnQKAzD913gxx875zGHYb9ou-u0bAc6OVOj/s640/blogger-image-645267615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPgRKIMWNfcwGn_ppdJdpwHMkGcrlJEr_XhnBadlUA1ULqX_XWsYvN20DYjDhE3N1V2yWz4h3IzOXj47WS1SHsQ35msoCGvXpaocUxnXceHnQKAzD913gxx875zGHYb9ou-u0bAc6OVOj/s640/blogger-image-645267615.jpg" /></a></div>
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I will willingly admit I'm one of <i>those</i> moms. The ones who don't like to keep junk food in the house. Who try their hardest not to give their kids candy. And mostly it's a personal choice. Because if there's a box of Oreos in the pantry I will eat them all and not share a single one (because Oreos + kids = huge mushy chocolate mess. Am I right?!). So I wanted to give out cute little valentines with no candy. Because let's face it, they will get enough from their grandparents. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mv2AiVdhR1Cnq2PM3GFNL7lkcLMMRqiHeOqPnTi3rK2VWzvOhNV8kIFYu-q6a4g1P4yxegodqtxNZdrBcNUVvePNB4yOTp4SlPnU__LfXWmd8qSH_KKFIRQIeN65TsE-LPCIFrA8FYh5/s640/blogger-image--667024490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mv2AiVdhR1Cnq2PM3GFNL7lkcLMMRqiHeOqPnTi3rK2VWzvOhNV8kIFYu-q6a4g1P4yxegodqtxNZdrBcNUVvePNB4yOTp4SlPnU__LfXWmd8qSH_KKFIRQIeN65TsE-LPCIFrA8FYh5/s1600/blogger-image--667024490.jpg" /></a></div>
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We have a ton of little plastic dinosaurs laying around the house. So I hunted down all the cute colorful ones (those things will hide everywhere, they're sneaky!) and of course I consulted Pinterest for inspiration. I came up with this design and I made it into a free printable just for you! <br />
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<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/q4ldcuysmqkxm4x/dinovalentines.pdf?dl=1&token_hash=AAHb_JVErzdmzUA792IzP_sqwlQWKgSCFEt2B4BMOPQIDQ" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqFRHymBILvoM1jhUKjOV1dhl0T897IDC6uC4S5sfuRb0WUPo7LdMG04GweYRP6LBdKEIx4LcpFtsrFlX3l0GT_38_vGnbpQAiaAapF1XU23u61H4JTh-yxpnl06_nGdHHu6_z92mrf7f/s1600/dinovalentines.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/q4ldcuysmqkxm4x/dinovalentines.pdf?dl=1&token_hash=AAHb_JVErzdmzUA792IzP_sqwlQWKgSCFEt2B4BMOPQIDQ">https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/q4ldcuysmqkxm4x/dinovalentines.pdf? dl=1&token_hash=AAHb_JVErzdmzUA792IzP_sqwlQWKgSCFEt2B4BMOPQIDQ</a></div>
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(Please let me know if it doesn't work, I've never done this before! Learn new things everyday!) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fwvYSGv09oCo_lYzji_VAP77RFmDJ89reZxUfR7zwaS2I63JwMRnSqJQVQ31PCIzs1xMM3kZLsYtie5lT7v9ke5d-Q54HJ-7Xf7CtTW9dXZjKgT53UPJPuoUCeik_B8bIchg0ZjloxFs/s640/blogger-image-631522608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fwvYSGv09oCo_lYzji_VAP77RFmDJ89reZxUfR7zwaS2I63JwMRnSqJQVQ31PCIzs1xMM3kZLsYtie5lT7v9ke5d-Q54HJ-7Xf7CtTW9dXZjKgT53UPJPuoUCeik_B8bIchg0ZjloxFs/s640/blogger-image-631522608.jpg" /></a></div>
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Supplies needed:</div>
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Pack or two of Dollar Tree dinosaurs </div>
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Cardstock</div>
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Twine </div>
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Hole punch<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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Friends to give them to :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIGiyht-_jnjEY-iG45OB5qnQk70SWfYytnMD8u6eM3uuBpHbBT88c6N282OBdc46Gio_sNjLwDVMihNuvLV8uaYmmSlez_tdj7zjOxZ2-opq0uY43CsQJ4gPgvlqxhnJ_No29CF7dX5u/s640/blogger-image-1681939419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIGiyht-_jnjEY-iG45OB5qnQk70SWfYytnMD8u6eM3uuBpHbBT88c6N282OBdc46Gio_sNjLwDVMihNuvLV8uaYmmSlez_tdj7zjOxZ2-opq0uY43CsQJ4gPgvlqxhnJ_No29CF7dX5u/s640/blogger-image-1681939419.jpg" /></a></div>
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I hope your little Valentine enjoys these as much as mine does. She already asked if she can have one sent to her as well. </div>
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Xo Stacie </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10823222412390824170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270002269630378249.post-24555441192692278212014-01-22T11:29:00.000-05:002014-01-22T13:20:27.252-05:00A few Lovely decorationsValentine's Day is quickly approaching now. Are you ready? We don't really buy presents for V-day, mostly chocolates, so I like to wait till the last minute and then scrounge around for whatever's left. He does the same. It's almost like a game.<br />
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This year I wanted to add a little color in our house for Valentine's day. The hubs said I couldn't spend any money doing so. Challenge accepted. Here's the few decorations I threw up. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ113oLQCBh8txcC8U_daU_72wwKz45YTjLKnqJqE-SKSG_6mbIg2wVYKU_fmwMo4-vtv5sL9KuX4odxFKrn_8CKVAkxJVhfSIit8ovXEYy_R2zjjyezRdEgZQN3w-zE1GzEyYrlbaJsYa/s640/blogger-image--976977021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ113oLQCBh8txcC8U_daU_72wwKz45YTjLKnqJqE-SKSG_6mbIg2wVYKU_fmwMo4-vtv5sL9KuX4odxFKrn_8CKVAkxJVhfSIit8ovXEYy_R2zjjyezRdEgZQN3w-zE1GzEyYrlbaJsYa/s640/blogger-image--976977021.jpg" /></a></div>
Throw some paint on some already cute wood scraps and you have some easy decor!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9k6UqgfgKsGzOzvStsi9VPcxSJ7rc36nPOQi-0xBFpjcbEaR3_tBMfGe-nYuQsy5YWaDTIVAk1LWxO-io6tN9fbkTtZYQhQ3JrVoanssnokkUZMFTBg4pP6xPmsUzyUuxpH9qL7N2Zs3/s640/blogger-image-1868429957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9k6UqgfgKsGzOzvStsi9VPcxSJ7rc36nPOQi-0xBFpjcbEaR3_tBMfGe-nYuQsy5YWaDTIVAk1LWxO-io6tN9fbkTtZYQhQ3JrVoanssnokkUZMFTBg4pP6xPmsUzyUuxpH9qL7N2Zs3/s640/blogger-image-1868429957.jpg" /></a></div>
I punched out hearts from all those paint chips I had the hubs and Little Miss pilfer for me. Glue them on some string and you have a super cute garland!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaErDLNdUi11A60KMugpgoqmeOtXg2rB7vnZApIU-4Q38jUi_j-rMufPuglPXr2WYEqrnKg0qiUfPMIjhm4x-L5pK3CGBtaiSi-LmMICiIk_-hYOLMcCRRlAcBkumJKEVwEp7L6aOQpG0/s640/blogger-image--1197251641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaErDLNdUi11A60KMugpgoqmeOtXg2rB7vnZApIU-4Q38jUi_j-rMufPuglPXr2WYEqrnKg0qiUfPMIjhm4x-L5pK3CGBtaiSi-LmMICiIk_-hYOLMcCRRlAcBkumJKEVwEp7L6aOQpG0/s640/blogger-image--1197251641.jpg" /></a></div>
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The felt ball garland I made has a new home on our gallery wall. The <a href="http://polkadotfluff.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-valentine-felt-ball-garland.html" target="_blank">tutorial for how to make one is here. </a></div>
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Little Miss requested a garland in her room too so I just glued the punched out hearts on string again. This is her favorite decoration. </div>
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I couldn't not put up the small pink tinsel tree we picked up the day after Christmas. I let the Littles decorate it and I even stopped myself from redecorating it!<br />
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Not bad for zero money spent! And I'll most likely hang my garlands up in my craft room after the holiday is over!</div>
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Do you decorate for Valentine's Day? </div>
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Xo Stacie</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10823222412390824170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270002269630378249.post-42474815405740980332014-01-20T08:29:00.003-05:002014-01-20T08:29:58.480-05:00Travel Toddler room We recently moved Little Man from his crib to his big boy bed. He's done great, as long as you don't count the fact that now I have to rock him to sleep for naptime (he doesn't care for bedtime though, explain that one to me), not that I mind, he is my last after all. The hubs wanted Little Man to have a cool car bed, something he always wanted as a little kid but never got (you know how we parents like to live vicariously through our children).<br />
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I agreed to a toddler sized car bed, because I just don't like them. Decorations for a room with a car bed in it are very limited. You could go with the ever classic <i>Cars</i> theme, or a racing theme. Both options have limitless possibilities, but I really wanted something that once he outgrows that toddler sized bed, he can still grow with the room without me repainting or redecorating a ton. <br />
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I decided to go with a Travel/Explorer theme. I love the look of vintage maps, and wood planked walls (never gonna happen) and wanted to translate that into Little Man's room. Plus, maybe he will get a travel bug and explore the world one day (I can have high hopes for him, I'm a mom, it's my job). <br />
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I pulled together a little Polyvore inspiration board to help keep me focused and in the right direction when finding pieces that work for his room.<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/travel_room_inspiration/set?.embedder=8342087&.svc=copypaste&id=110840229" target="_blank"><img alt="travel room inspiration" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/x6eXd8WvVxZCWip8Dbg4Hg/cid/110840229/id/0gdj3tKB4xGnzO_xO-wIHA/size/c600x465.jpg" height="465" title="travel room inspiration" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/travel_room_inspiration/set?.embedder=8342087&.svc=copypaste&id=110840229" target="_blank">travel room inspiration</a> by <a href="http://polkadotfluff.polyvore.com/?.embedder=8342087&.svc=copypaste" target="_blank">polkadotfluff</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/vintage_home_decor/shop?query=vintage+home+decor" target="_blank">vintage home decor</a></small></div>
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I'm a thrifter (my computer tells me thats not a word, but I use it all the time so my computer is just wrong), so it takes time to find things to complete a room (and what room is ever complete?). I can't justify going out and spending $100 on wall art. I'd rather make it myself. And it does take a while, this can't be a weekend project (unless you get super lucky at a thrift store, in that case, lucky you!!), I've actually been working on his room for a month now.<br />
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Thanks for reading!<br />
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xo StacieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10823222412390824170noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270002269630378249.post-1251281147566277622014-01-17T08:59:00.000-05:002014-01-17T09:03:27.469-05:00Homemade Dog Treats<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6045DqCkmZU-CxjS1QN9q2kmoLJPdxtLewPp0mTT31_gdw4I6Q3QrrpR4a96pebJxZO_AcUI49s8bfkvUV4V5hYt4zdsfWPZRufV08T4RW10Xb7cz_6YJTYHhdXfP6_Nsz9uxbOM-smmR/s640/blogger-image-795683747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6045DqCkmZU-CxjS1QN9q2kmoLJPdxtLewPp0mTT31_gdw4I6Q3QrrpR4a96pebJxZO_AcUI49s8bfkvUV4V5hYt4zdsfWPZRufV08T4RW10Xb7cz_6YJTYHhdXfP6_Nsz9uxbOM-smmR/s640/blogger-image-795683747.jpg" /></a></div>
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We ran out of dog treats this week (most likely because the kids <i>love </i>doling them out every five seconds), and instead of hopping in the car and buying some, I thought, I'll <i>make</i> some! Because that's what normal people do, right?<br />
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I found this recipe <a href="http://acreativecookie.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-dog-treats.html?m=1" target="_blank">here</a>, and thought it looked easy enough. I decided to swap out peanut butter for the almond butter I had tried to pass off on the kids as peanut butter but they were not fooled by my trickery (very few are). Here's the recipe I used:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Homemade Dog Treats</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup water</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup oil</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 eggs</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4 tbsp. almond butter (or peanut butter)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tsp. vanilla</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 cups flour</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup oats</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup cornmeal</span></div>
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Blend the water, oil, eggs and vanilla together in a large mixing bowl. In a smaller separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, and oats and pour into the wet mixture. Mix together. Add in your almond (or peanut butter) and mix all the ingredients until it forms a dough. <br />
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Bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees. After the 20 minutes, turn the oven off and leave the treats in the oven until they are cool and crisp. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AK5tE3H-W2sPw_Aaw-G-vwz6T-_WNkDEyo7-Jw3bHUQ3zVu-O5GFfjIEZonIgMBGEH4rBVFOqRbo0guARJHcMLfDwgFviNWwydPQiANO4UvNxakLOfFxxnaTCYKd_6nPVBzpuBdMWPNI/s1600/DSC_0379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AK5tE3H-W2sPw_Aaw-G-vwz6T-_WNkDEyo7-Jw3bHUQ3zVu-O5GFfjIEZonIgMBGEH4rBVFOqRbo0guARJHcMLfDwgFviNWwydPQiANO4UvNxakLOfFxxnaTCYKd_6nPVBzpuBdMWPNI/s1600/DSC_0379.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gotta let the dogs lick the bowl, right? Don't judge!</td></tr>
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The almond butter did leave the house kinda stinky, but the dogs gobbled these treats up like it was their last meal!<br />
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Enjoy and have a great weekend! We finally got enough snow to play in, so we will be outside building Olaf from Disney's Frozen.<br />
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xo StacieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10823222412390824170noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270002269630378249.post-55831606662041538072014-01-15T08:00:00.000-05:002014-01-15T08:00:09.446-05:00A Valentine's Felt Ball Garland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've wanted to attempt to make felt balls for decoration ever since I saw them on Pinterest (pinterest, that dirty dog, making us want to <i>do things</i>). So I finally broke down and bought some wool roving off Amazon (Hobby Lobby also sells it) in pinks and purples. There are many stores on Etsy that sell the felt balls already made, but, like a crazy person, I thought, <i>I can do that myself</i>. So here's how:<br />
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What you need:</div>
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-wool roving</div>
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-scissors</div>
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-hot water</div>
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-dish soap</div>
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-string ( I used embroidery thread)</div>
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-a needle (on the larger side)</div>
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-patience</div>
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-a good show on Netflix (I started Scandal and <i>am. hooked.</i>)</div>
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Cut your wool roving into small even pieces (obviously mine were not very even), about 2-3 inches. Pull a tiny bit off each section and set aside. I added a squirt of soap to a small container of hot water to use. Dip your wool into the water solution and get it soapy.<br />
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Start rolling your hands around to make it into a ball (think snowballs). Once it's a ball, rinse it, roll some more, and rinse again. If the ball is a little messy, take that extra piece you set aside and wrap it around your ball, dip in the water and roll again. These took a while, you end up with VERY water logged hands, but they sure are pretty. <br />
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Will I make these again? Probably because like I said above, I'm a crazy person. Do I recommend it? Not really. Spend the extra five dollars and just buy them pre made. It would save you some hassle, although my hands <i>were</i> super clean.<br />
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I let mine dry over night and then some because life got in the way. When your felt balls are dry, line them up in the color order you want. String your needle and start threading. The best thing about these? They stay in place on the thread so all you have to do is string them on! <br />
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Putting the garland together was a cinch and took about five minutes (but I still sat and watched an entire episode of Scandal). I'm using my pink and purple garland as a Valentine's Day decoration, but it will most likely end up in Little Misses room after the holiday.<br />
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Whats a craft project you thought you could make at home easier and it turned out buying premade would of saved you your sanity?<br />
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xo StacieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10823222412390824170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270002269630378249.post-56827979669083137332014-01-13T08:00:00.000-05:002014-01-13T08:00:03.450-05:00I finally worked up the courage to post my house hereYou know when you <strike>religiously</strike> randomly search Pinterest for home decor, and you find this house you just fall in love with and you follow their blog and they are just a perfect family with a beautiful house and you just feel like you will never live up to those kind of expectations? Yeah, me either.<br />
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I love those homes. I aspire to have a beautiful home like that, and I also use them for inspiration like so many others before me. But then I look around my house. I don't have an older house with "charm and character" (too many House Hunters episodes watched), or a farmhouse style home that looks great filled with wood planked walls. We have a starter house. A cookie cutter house that millions of neighborhoods around the good ol' USofA are made of. <br />
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But because there are a million of those neighborhoods, I know there a million and a half people living in those kinds of homes just like us. Everyone wants their home to be nice, to be loved, to be something you enjoy spending time in instead of searching for ways to make it better. I am working towards that "better" home right now. And I want to share our "before" (even though we've lived here for five years so its really in between) photos. <br />
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This post is hard to write for me. When I went back through the photos that I took LAST year (because I swear I planned on sharing them) I was very saddened. Our house looks very messy, unorganized, and kinda just plain ugly. But I stopped myself from dwelling on the photos. Our house may look messy, but to me that means it's well lived in. Our house may be unorganized and ugly, but it is truly loved. Or maybe not loved, but it encases a family who does a lot of loving (get your mind out of the gutters people!). I do like our house, our neighborhood and where we live. <br />
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So without further ado, here is my house, in all its horrible glory. (These are all like horrible "before" pictures without the "after" to make you smile.)<br />
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The Kitchen:</div>
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Our kitchen is our main hub, where we walk into the house (who uses front doors?) where we eat, where we craft, where we do our bills, where we dance our silly butts off.</div>
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The Living Room:</div>
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We actually remodeled the kitchen and living room five years ago. We moved our basement stairs from the kitchen to the living room, and they still haven't been finished (two kids will do that for ya).</div>
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The Main Bathroom:</div>
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Scary huh?</div>
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Little Misses Room:</div>
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I change her room around at least once a month because I am just never happy with it. I'm beginning to think I actually just don't like those stripes anymore....</div>
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Little Man's Room:</div>
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His room is different now because he is no longer in a crib, but I am having a hard time decorating his big boy room (could it be that I'm just sad my baby is no longer a baby??)</div>
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The Master:</div>
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Shudder, just shudder. I loathe that room, I really do.</div>
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The Basement:</div>
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wow. that. is. bad. It's completely different down there now. I'm talking there's a couch and tv, a playroom and a craft-ish area for me. We're getting there.</div>
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I'm not happy with the way my house looks because I want it to be an extension of myself and I feel like I am a little more put together than those photos above.</div>
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I do want to note, we have updated a few things, like the main bathroom, the basement looks COMPLETELY different (and cleaner) and the living room has been rearranged. None of these updates are permanent ones, call them "phase 1" updates if you will. We have big plans, but big plans usually call for big monies. I want to make a detailed list of what we want (or what I want) to do in each room soon. And I hope posting it for all the internet world to see will motivate us to get some things done!<br />
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Thank you for taking the time to read this scary photo post! It means a lot to me and I can't wait to continue the journey of making this house our perfect home with you!<br />
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xo StacieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10823222412390824170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270002269630378249.post-66447111515470614352014-01-10T09:17:00.002-05:002014-01-10T09:17:43.798-05:00Easy Artwork for a Little Ladies Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I told myself that this year I would kick butt on writing posts. At least three a week, if not more. I am officially breaking my resolution on January 10th. I am <i>that</i> person. Life happens, I won't make excuses, although we have valid ones. Mainly, I haven't really done much lately. A mermaid birthday and Christmas in the same month have wore me out. I put my sewing machine away for the party and haven't taken it out yet. <div>
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Today I have a simple art project that I whipped up in, oh, five minutes for Little Misses room. </div>
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All you need is a small canvas (got mine at Michael's as a two pack and with a 50% off coupon it was only 3.50), a cute-shaped hole punch (also at Michael's in the dollar bins), a ruler, and those wonderful paint color cards that when you swipe them you feel as if you are stealing and look around to make sure the workers are not watching you as you stuff them in your bag. Or make your kid swipe them as I did. And a pencil and some glue.</div>
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The most time consuming thing about this project is punching out the shapes you want. I only had the little tiny butterfly punch on hand so that is what I used. I decided instead of lots of colorful shapes to do an ombre effect. I used a color swatch card that has the three different colors on it for mine. I only needed four cards total so in hindsight, the 50 plus cards <strike>I swiped</strike> made Little Miss swipe, were not needed, but I'm sure I can find a good use for them sooner or later.</div>
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Using your ruler, mark out where you want each shape. Or if you are a boss, you can just eyeball it. I'm not that good....yet. I will be a boss one day. Then just glue your shapes down. Ta-da! Told you it took about five minutes. I honestly thought my punch was ten times bigger than this, but Little Miss thinks it's cool and thats all that matters. </div>
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I'm working up my nerve to post pictures of what my house actually looks like (even though most readers are my family and they know already) because I'm trying really hard this year to not compare myself to others, and to covet what they have. So I want to be realistic for you guys, because the majority of America is not rich, does not have a perfect house, and most likely the way the economy is, never will. So I vow this year to be realistic and show how "normal" awesome people like me live and try to make their house a home (you know, what I set out to do in the first place here). So this weekend I will be psyching myself up to post those horrendous photos. Watch out!! </div>
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Y'all have a great weekend!</div>
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xo Stacie<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10823222412390824170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270002269630378249.post-41865313031320688502014-01-06T10:43:00.001-05:002014-01-06T10:43:50.694-05:00DIY Pom Pom Winter Wreath<div>
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What's the first thing you do when your weatherman predicts a polar vertex (I learned that term last night by actually watching the news and not just learning things from Facebook, go me!)? What the crap is a polar vertex you ask? Well, it's when over night the temperature drops from 40 degrees to ZERO. That's right, it is currently one degree outside with a wind chill of negative eightybillion. So what was the first thing I did? Go get provisions, a space heater? Nope, I went to the craft store and loaded up on more projects that I probably won't finish.</div>
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First up on my list of what I wanted to do before Christmas was my Pom Pom wreath. I saw that one at Anthropologie and fell. in. love. Then cried silently to myself when I saw the price tag and like a million others, decided I could DIY this. <br />
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Seriously, I spent $7 on yarn, but if you have a bunch in your craft <strike>hoard</strike> closet, then you could essentially make this for free. I didn't even buy a round wire wreath maker (that is not their technical term, I totally made it up), I just used some wire that the hubs brought in from the freezing garage (that's what husbands are for you know) and formed it into a circle. If you make it yourself, definitely make two circles and then add bits of wire between them to stabilize the wreath. <br />
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All the supplies you need are:<br />
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*yarn (I used two packs (?) of white)<br />
*wire wreath<br />
*scissors<br />
*a piece of cardboard<br />
*a good movie (or the Best of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon)<br />
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Cut your piece of cardboard into about a three inch long rectangle. Or whatever size you want to make your pom poms. I wanted fairly big because I've made pom poms before. They can be a pain in your rear end and your hand goes numb from cutting. Back to the wreath....<br />
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Wrap your yarn around the cardboard about 40-60 times. The more you wrap, the fuller the pom-pom. <br />
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Wrap your hand around the middle of one side and slide the cardboard out, keeping ahold of the middle of the yarn. Wrap a single strand of yarn around the entire middle of the pom pom and tie it into a double knot. Make sure your string is long enough that you will be able to use it to tie to the wreath. This will leave you with loops on each side. Cut through the loops carefully without pulling the yarn (or it will just slide out). This will leave you with a straggly looking pom pom. Here's where your thumb gets a huge blister like mine. Trim your yarn ball into a ball shape. I suggest making a practice one before you begin. It took me a little bit to get the hang of making it look like a ball shaped pom pom. <br />
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You will get completely covered in yarn trimmings if you do this anywhere other than a table, but Jimmy Fallon is a pretty funny guy so I just plan on vacuuming and washing the blanket I put on my lap so I thought it was worth it to sit my butt on the couch and make this. <br />
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Tie your pom poms onto your wreath and pat yourself on the back, you just outsmarted Anthropologie (which really isn't hard, who actually buys that stuff??). Hang on your door and ta-da, a wreath that is perfect for winter time. It reminds me of snow balls. And don't worry, I did buy milk and bread like the rest of the area, so we are fully prepared to not leave the house until this polar vertex is gone.<br />
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What do you do when you can't leave the house lest you want to get frost bite and your nose fall off?<br />
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xo and stay warm!<br />
StacieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10823222412390824170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270002269630378249.post-56391052084091277712014-01-03T11:46:00.003-05:002014-01-03T11:47:09.685-05:00An Under the Sea Mermaid party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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*warning, I just photo bombed the crap out of this post!*<br />
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Over the summer our family went on an awesome vacation to the Florida Keys. And we drove there. From Kentucky. All 17 hours. It was a wonderful time spent with my entire side of the family all on the beach together. On the way home we stopped in Tampa and spent time with my grandmother. The kids were awesome in the car on the way to Tampa. So we decided not to chance it and bribed the then three year old. What did she want? An Ariel party. Her birthday is in December so I (being one who hates all things characters splashed all over the place) just figured she'd forget about the whole thing. We're talking six months. Did she you ask? No. Not. At. All.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't have an Ariel party without a "dinglehopper"!</td></tr>
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A hand drawn giant Ariel coloring sheet kept the littlest kids entertained while the older ones played together.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOW-PnBB_D4sjbiPldBKNlPMQZYDwM6LPgtuZxvDC5tTsqFYxtQ41ICRJiu28nrhdtR3qQ2DrbMxXAwKVoGz9mr3BYayi5LJCjHBG72THfXKoHZka_SbzoAq__bfgSyVl8hc1KaWcbu-Ps/s1600/DSC_0182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOW-PnBB_D4sjbiPldBKNlPMQZYDwM6LPgtuZxvDC5tTsqFYxtQ41ICRJiu28nrhdtR3qQ2DrbMxXAwKVoGz9mr3BYayi5LJCjHBG72THfXKoHZka_SbzoAq__bfgSyVl8hc1KaWcbu-Ps/s640/DSC_0182.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please ignore Ariel's horrible mouth and hand, I finally realized the kids would not care so I shouldn't either.</td></tr>
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So enter a Little Mermaid party without being oppressively Ariel-ified. I know she wouldn't of cared either way if there were pictures of Ariel everywhere you turned, but I just can't do it, just can't. It's my own preference and I'm okay with it, and the family is beginning to understand too (although they loaded her up with some Princess shirts at Christmas and I've even been nice enough to let her wear them, to bed). We choose the theme of Under the Sea Mermaid, it encompasses the movie without me having to print off ten thousand Ariels.<br />
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We made some super easy and tasty "sea glass" using <a href="http://www.thepartiologist.com/2012/07/beach-week-sea-glass.html?m=1" target="_blank">this recipe</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdud_HkSWilESeLQO_gd0A-TrPvXksnrts7G3sR9YLX9CRCUYna1cGERZOxe2XeMY_jgk74nSQHHzSYkOMV483q5b0vgfod-jBdXyIjcW5sCUoiNY6KbK6fyAqFiAa643FwSnNvyk-HJ9r/s1600/DSC_0158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdud_HkSWilESeLQO_gd0A-TrPvXksnrts7G3sR9YLX9CRCUYna1cGERZOxe2XeMY_jgk74nSQHHzSYkOMV483q5b0vgfod-jBdXyIjcW5sCUoiNY6KbK6fyAqFiAa643FwSnNvyk-HJ9r/s640/DSC_0158.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">homemade salt water taffy was a big hit with the younger crowd (very sweet)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">purple pearl sixlets were often swiped by the younger brother *can't say I blame him*</td></tr>
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I let her pick the colors for the party because I'm not a complete control freak (yes I am, who am I kidding). She picked teal and purple, which might of been because she was holding an Ariel doll at the time and that's what she was wearing. I added gold because I am slightly obsessed with that color right now. I took it and ran. Literally. These kids just follow me everywhere so I have to run away and hide a lot if I want to play on Pinterest all day. (totally kidding, sorta.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a tissue paper garland that was super easy to make decorated the dessert table</td></tr>
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So I was blessed with six months to plan for this little misses birthday party (to which I only actually did any planning the last month). Having that much time to <strike>think about</strike> pin ideas on Pinterest and then forget about, gave me time to shop cheaply. I'm happy to say I spent WAY less on her party by planning a little earlier than I would of. I also made almost everything that I possibly could, including the party favors and candy!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">oh look I finally finished that gallery wall I've been talking about for months!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYcpBuHuD60-1U1GF6HMklekj8PiPI6Dge3MnPiXD4B60hY0BaSc-pUxHqQZucWCPxcYZgnzjiVoYp6W5IU8yR9EeJWk2WgMM0PKlG3Yyxj0Ucz0gLLpj9MkMPIbCSB53HMI7QFM0Lm67/s1600/DSC_0185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYcpBuHuD60-1U1GF6HMklekj8PiPI6Dge3MnPiXD4B60hY0BaSc-pUxHqQZucWCPxcYZgnzjiVoYp6W5IU8yR9EeJWk2WgMM0PKlG3Yyxj0Ucz0gLLpj9MkMPIbCSB53HMI7QFM0Lm67/s640/DSC_0185.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blue kool-aid served as "sea water" which the kids loved!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">barnacles, get it? :)</td></tr>
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I completely forgot to save an invitation to post on here. They were a true labor of love and I will probably never make invitations again. We used card stock and cut out a billion sea shell shapes. Add some glitter and a puff paint pearl, some ribbon and you have a beautiful shell invitation. I used <a href="http://kids-theme-parties.com/shell-purse-invitation-for-a-mermaid-themed-party/" target="_blank">this picture</a> from Pinterest for inspiration.<br />
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I always go slightly overboard on the dessert table and this party was no exception. Homemade candies, cupcakes, cake, chocolate covered pretzels, oreo balls.... we feasted on some sweets.<br />
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A gift table decorated with paper garlands and goodie bags.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">super easy paper garland. Seriously these are going to be a stable from now on.</td></tr>
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Party favors were simple but fun! Hand painted Prince Eric and Ariels all around! And let me tell you, these took forever to make but I was lazy about it and laid in bed watching Hallmark Christmas movies while painting these bad boys. Little Miss still plays with her Ariel (Prince Eric is not cool because he is not a princess). Parchment paper bags with gold polka dots contained all the goodies (including the array of candy on the dessert table). <br />
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Although this party took a while to plan, I had so much fun pulling it all together. We had a blast during the party, I never even picked up my camera!! And clean up was actually very easy compared to past parties so I was one happy momma. And the smiles on Little Misses face were priceless. She loved it all, especially when all her friends showed up. <br />
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Little man's birthday is in a month. I just got started with ideas. But he's two, he doesn't care. He just wants to lick icing off cake and open presents (it's the little things in life ya know). I promise I will take better pictures of his party ( it <i>is</i> one of my New Year's resolutions you know!) and hopefully we'll have this computer fixed up so I can actually edit them!<br />
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Thanks for making it through this long photo bombed post! Hope you have a great weekend!<br />
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xo Stacie</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10823222412390824170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270002269630378249.post-7859511381297581092014-01-01T10:40:00.001-05:002014-01-01T10:40:36.561-05:00Happy 2014 *this post has no pictures because I took two weeks off with my family and never once picked up the fancy camera. Sorry!!*<div><br></div><div>I ended 2013 on a great note, with my loved ones and embraced by my husband. I hope that yours ended very similar. 2014 brings a new beginning of sorts (except for bills. They don't care that it's a whole new year). <div><br></div><div>A new year is about redefining your goals. It's unattainable to say "I will reinvent myself" because you are who you are. No, a new year lets you look back at what you did that worked, and undeniably, what didn't. </div><div><br></div><div>2013 was a long ride of ups and downs. Our daughter turned four, our son one. The love each other to death. And I mean it. Affection turned deadly. I know it's a phase, part of life, etc, but man, when does it end? When does the playing together and enjoying one another's company without hitting occur? Oh wait, never mind. I have sisters. It never ends. </div><div><br></div><div>This new year I hope for many things. Number one on my list of goals (and yes I write that list and tape it to the fridge) is to become a better "us" with my husband. Kids and life drain you, they really do. All I want to do as soon as the kids are in bed is go to sleep and so does the hubs (who works way harder than I do). This year we are going to try to reconnect, with communication, with more date nights, more fun just the two of us. I'm looking forward to this goal. </div><div><br></div><div>Next on the list? Stop yelling. The kids fight so much I feel like a ringleader. Yelling "to your own corners" multiple times a day (don't worry they don't actually fight this bad, yet). I want to try to work on my own patience. Kids are sponges and they absorb our own behavior and dish it back out to us. Working on myself will only benefit them, and the dogs too. They get yelled at a lot too. </div><div><br></div><div>I want to be selfish in 2014. I want to put some of my own needs before others. Sure, this sounds really bad, but moms, when was the last time you went to the grocery and bought <i>yourself </i>a treat? Or went to Target and bought <i>yourself</i> something (other than toilet paper, that totally doesn't count). I want to make myself happier, because by doing that, my whole family will be happier. </div><div><br></div><div>So 2014. I will make you mine. I have dreams for this year. Sure they might not all happen (like convincing the hubs that the kitchen would look better with white cabinets) but a girl can dream. And dream I will. You should too, because what are we without dreams? (The correct answer is robots.)</div><div><br></div><div>What are you plans for the new year?</div><div><br></div><div>xo Stacie</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10823222412390824170noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270002269630378249.post-73184475308776775492013-12-12T07:55:00.001-05:002013-12-12T07:55:56.906-05:00This is four<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's startling really how much my daughter reminds me of myself. I have to stop myself sometimes to remember that she is one giant sponge, soaking up my every movement and expelling it right back at me. I remind myself daily that she is little. </span><div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today. Today that little girl turns four. She doesn't notice the years flying by, the milestones she's passing with flying colors, the gray hairs she's giving her father and me. No, that little sponge is just soaking up her world. Content to play quietly with her barbies, or terrorize her little brother (who at almost two </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>still</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> doesn't talk and thus can't tell her that he's annoyed). She has a fierce yearning to soak EVERYTHING in, wanting to know </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>why, how, when</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Four has snuck up on me. When that little girl was placed in my arms the very first time, four seemed like twenty. I felt as though we would never make it to four. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moms would tell you four was the golden age. The terrible twos a thing of nightmares, the sassy-ness of three? You drank that attitude under the table. Four was the goal you dreamed about as you pulled your hair out. But we made it. Four. Finally. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's hard to look back at the past without a smile on my face. Sure, those days that she drove me to drink (not really but damn close) are there. Boy are they there. But for every tantrum, sassy remark, or complete disregard for anything that came out of my mouth, that beautiful curly haired girl had a smile, a hug, or a remark so far off the wall I almost peed my pants laughing. She makes every bad day disappear with just one silly gesture or kiss. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know the attitude is far from gone, she's my daughter after all. I will struggle tooth and nail with this strong headed girl. But I'm grateful for the opportunity. I <i>want </i>her to be strong willed, determined, and passionate. I want her to make herself heard, just not in that screeching tone she likes to use right now. I can already see the woman she will one day grow into. She has a distinct personality. Sitting in her room surrounded by books one minute, the next? She's acting out The Little Mermaid, every one of the characters, all her. And her imagination? Puts mine to shame, and I'm pretty proud of that aspect of myself. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The past four years have flown by in a blur to me. I won't get all sappy on you and say, cherish it while you can, but seriously. Do that. She's four. Four!! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had ourselves a little photo shoot to capture the moment, in the cold. She was bribed with not one, but two pieces of candy. She was a champ, and I am sadly still an amateur.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Four is a new adventure here. An adventure I for one can't wait to embark on. First things first though, a cupcake for breakfast. You only turn four once right?</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10823222412390824170noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270002269630378249.post-84211320629361609942013-12-06T10:51:00.000-05:002013-12-06T10:51:58.887-05:00Santa don't forget about us down here<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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You know how when you're little and still believe in Santa? And how you're forever unsure how Santa know exactly where you are on Christmas? It's because parents make this super awesome "Santa stop here" sign. It's true, I read it on Wikipedia.<br />
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Seriously though, we had a Santa stop here sign growing up and I loved that thing! I thought it was the only reason Santa came to our house (because let's be honest, I was <i>not</i> good all year). He knew from that sign that there were children in our house and that he needed to stop.<br />
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This sign was super easy to make (with the help of a power tool wielding hubby).<br />
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He marked out the octagon in the size I wanted (which was big so Santa could see it from way up high) and used a circular saw to cut out shape. He used a piece of wood in our stockpile and cut a tip on it so it would be easy to put into the ground. Coupl'a screws later, you have a stop sign. </div>
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Painting was the most time consuming thing of the whole project. I spent my time painting while watching one of those wonderful Hallmark channel Christmas movies (seriously, aren't those just great?). My handwriting is not that fabulous but I also haven't broke down and bought stencils yet either. Add a topcoat of polyutherene and it's now weather proof (although this "huge" ice/snow storm we are supposed to get this weekend will be the first true test). </div>
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I had fun making this, it was simple, the kids thought it looked cool and it was just big enough that they couldn't pick it up and whack each other with the sign. Maybe in a few years. </div>
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How old are you kids and do they still believe in Santa??</div>
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~enjoy</div>
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xo <i>Stacie</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10823222412390824170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270002269630378249.post-58611156589809415332013-12-04T08:00:00.000-05:002013-12-04T08:00:05.309-05:00O' {wooden} Christmas tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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We've had almost zero Christmas decorations in our house for five years. There's a tree. And some pillows we found in the attic (I washed them), and that's about it. And to be honest it's never bothered me that much before because we don't host parties and all our friends are just starting out like us. But now my daughter is in school. And has friends. And a birthday in the middle of December. All that? Equals inviting strangers to my house (whom will hopefully all leave as friends). I go into a panic when it's just my mother coming over and try to speed clean my house (but with two kids running behind me destroying my progress I don't know why I bother). So I'm trying my best to make our home into a super cozy Christmas-y house that people walk into and say "oh where's my blanket and book, I just want to curl up on your couch it's so cozy in here". I know, I have high expectations.<br />
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Shew that was a long introduction for this post. I want to share our little wooden Christmas tree I whipped up in a day, mostly at naptime! If you follow me on Instagram you've seen it there. She's a beauty and was so simple. All you need is a few scraps of wood, sand paper, green paint, brown paint, nails and a screw. To be truthful, I didn't even have brown paint. I had orange and black and voila! Brown paint! </div>
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I sanded each piece after cutting them down to size (with a handsaw because I'm still nervous around power saws). Secure those pieces to your "trunk" and TA DA! A tree!! Paint it and then sand it down a little more to give it a rustic look. Screw a piece of plywood on the bottom (had the hubs do this for me, mostly because once I painted it I was done). Seriously. I told you it was simple. And the kids LOVE it too. It's "their" tree. </div>
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When we found lights in the attic, the littles went bonkers trying to put them on the tree. I let them have at it and then just fixed it after they grew bored of decorating. They turn it off every night before bed like it's a special treat and that makes me happy. </div>
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What simple craft has brought lots of joy to your kids, or you? Share with me!</div>
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~Enjoy</div>
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xo <i>Stacie</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10823222412390824170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270002269630378249.post-87641272875499940722013-12-02T17:20:00.000-05:002013-12-03T22:21:29.910-05:00It's a little late, but it's the thought that counts right?<div>
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Okay okay, so it's December 2nd and I'm just now posting about our advent calendar. But, well, (enter excuse here). To be honest, I've just been lazy with the blogging. Our computer is still on the fritz so doing everything by phone is annoying! Maybe Santa will bring me a new computer (yeah right, I pay Santa's bills, he's broke). I also only took one iPhone photo of the actual advent calendar. Forgive me.<br />
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So the advent calendar is a new tradition in our house this year. Little Miss is slowly starting to understand days of the week so this is also an exercise in that (gotta make everything educational right?). I didn't have a whole lot of money to spend on one, especially this time of year so I wanted to use things I already owned (or needed to buy for a certain little lady's birthday coming up next week). </div>
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Supplies needed for this project:</div>
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-a large chalkboard (like the one I made <a href="http://polkadotfluff.blogspot.com/2013/11/what-does-it-mean-to-be-thankful.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</div>
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-parchment paper bags (25 for $2 at Hobby Lobby)</div>
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-glitter!</div>
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-numbered stamps (I borrowed from my awesome mother in law)</div>
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-stamp pad<br />
-rubber glue or mod podge</div>
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-washi tape</div>
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-string (I used bakers twine I got on clearance)</div>
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-craft paper (my husband had a ginormous roll in the garage so I stole it for myself)</div>
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-clothespins (buy these at the dollar store)</div>
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It seems like a lot of supplies but you can make your bags as elaborate or as plain as you choose. I sat on the couch and watched a movie while I made mine and it. Was. Wonderful. That is MY time and I enjoy being able to do two things together like that. </div>
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I just stamped the date on the bags (truth: I forgot dec 11th), then added some glitter underneath because they were a little too plain for me. I had originally planed on hanging them on a different board so I had added the craft paper cutouts, however when I moved them to their final resting place, the craft paper isn't really seen. Which also makes the bakers twine I used to tie the paper to the bags obsolete too. Oh well. See, now you don't have to waste your time, unless you stopped reading at the supplies list and already started. Sorry. </div>
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I'm on a budget, and with two kids in the house I wasn't about to buy little toys for each for 25 days. So candy it was. I alternated between Hersey kisses and mini candy canes. I also ate the leftover kisses as I made the calendar. Then I hated myself a little. Then I ate some candy canes and got over it. </div>
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Seal your bags with washi tape and pin to your board (I put mine in order by date). I wrapped lace I already had on hand (I think I paid 1.00 for it at a thrift store) around my board but any string will work (oh look, you can use that bakers twine if you want!!). I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out. Maybe when the kids are older well invest a little more money into the calendar, but for now, the kids are just happy that I'm letting them eat candy every day. </div>
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What does your calendar look like? Did you start late this year (my kids can't tell the date yet)? Let me know! Don't forget to follow on Instagram for real time pictures(because I actually post things on there). </div>
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~enjoy!</div>
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xo Stacie</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10823222412390824170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270002269630378249.post-63698097070263461022013-11-25T08:00:00.000-05:002013-11-25T08:00:10.663-05:00A kid friendly Christmas tree garland<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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We kinda just skipped Thanksgiving this year (but in our defense, we don't really decorate for that holiday anyways because we don't host it at our house). I'm just too excited for Christmas. Little Miss is finally old enough to really understand believe and participate. However, I'm also terrified of Little Mr. destroying the Christmas tree and opening all the presents early, but well get through that.<br />
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I want to keep the kids involved in everything I do Christmas wise (I mean come on, they even went Santa present shopping with me, they thought the toys were for their cousins). We made a traditional paper circle garland last year to hang in our entryway. This year I wanted to do something a little more creative and festive. </div>
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This Christmas tree garland is perfect for the 3-5 age range. Little Mr. tried to help make the garland but mostly he just wanted to eat the supplies (sequins <i>are</i> pretty tempting, like glittery rice). All the supplies you need are:</div>
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Whatever is in your craft area. Seriously we even used pieces of yarn. Construction paper worked best for Little Miss. </div>
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Cut your construction paper in half before you start. Then decorate. I tried to show her how it becomes a tree so it should have ornaments on it and the such, but she didn't care. She went to town with the glitter glue and sequins. I also let her use my rubber glue and glitter, until she dumped the whole thing in her lap.</div>
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I decorated half and she did the rest. We stayed content for almost an hour (not the little one, he gave up That's pretty good for a three year old. She was really excited to use "mommys special glue" and put it on everything. We ran out of Elmer's and had to use my craft glue. If that's what it takes to get her to actually finish a craft, so be it. </div>
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We used a lot of glue so we let ours dry overnight. I cut out the star toppers and let her glue them on the top once the trees were formed (just fold together into an almost triangle- which you can see took me a few tries till I got it right). String em together and Tada! Christmas garland. </div>
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We had a blast picking out our favorites. We all agreed it was the one that was completely covered in sequins (which I'm still sweeping up). This very cheap craft (I actually had everything on hand) is fun and easy to do. You could even write notes to Santa on each tree!! </div>
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Wha fun craft are you planning on doing with your kids for the holiday season?</div>
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~Enjoy</div>
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xo <i>Stacie</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10823222412390824170noreply@blogger.com2