tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48963423755238707572024-03-12T17:24:51.216-07:00Unraveling YarnAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18140202359257824299noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896342375523870757.post-60884170599764952102014-07-11T20:25:00.002-07:002014-07-11T20:25:50.379-07:00Well that was a long and entirely unintentional break. I've thought about coming back several times, but didn't know what to write, or how to start, or how much to share. With no further ado, here goes:<br />
<br />
Truth is, after the excitement of moving wore off, I fell into a funk. A deep, long-lasting funk in which I eventually realized that I absolutely abhor my job and that dissatisfaction was bleeding out and negatively impacting other areas of my life. It was a dark, dark period, and I feel bad for anyone who had to live with me during that time. I needed to make a change.<br />
<br />
After looking around, it became clear that I would need to go back to school to get the kind of job I had expected to be able to get right out of college. As it turns out, a BA in French and English (emphasis Creative Writing, certificate in European Studies) is absolutely useless if you don't also have a teaching license. I know, right?<br />
<br />
So after some reflection, I decided to pursue a Masters degree in French with the goal of teaching at the community college level. Because a) you don't have to deal with your students' parents; b) the students are adults and are responsible for themselves (or at least they know they are supposed to be); and c) you don't have the institutional pressure like at the university level. I have always loved French, and loved the summers I spent teaching French with Concordia Language Villages. Returning to the villages this spring to work a few of the Academic Year Programs (read: weekend school field trips) and the Adult Week reaffirmed my decision: this will be a great move for me.<br />
<br />
I found a program, and to my surprise the application deadline had not yet passed (it was, however, just two weeks away) and they didn't require the GRE. I quickly got my application and references together, and was ultimately accepted and offered a Teaching Assistantship, which is basically free tuition + a stipend.<br />
<br />
At this point, I have three weeks left of that awful job, and then a 10-day break before TA-training starts. And my 10-year high school reunion falls within that break, which I have feelings about that I'll save for another post. The closer I get to July 31 (my last day), the happier I get. There is a bottle of Pinot Noir set aside to celebrate.<br />
<br />
What does this mean for the blog? I hope to blog somewhat regularly, but it won't be daily. I'm thinking either weekly or twice a week, but we'll see. I'm not sure how much time I'll have for knitting, or how demanding this grad school thing will be. I have done a better job of keeping Ravelry up-to-date, so you can always check on me <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/unravelingyarn" target="_blank">there</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18140202359257824299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896342375523870757.post-77669528921188998682013-10-08T11:00:00.001-07:002013-10-08T11:00:32.035-07:00It's a Desk!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Comcast somehow half-cancelled our service appointment yesterday and didn't show up, or contact us. Extremely frustrating, but after some considerable finagling we rescheduled for tomorrow. In the meantime, I'm going stir-crazy and I have a desk I haven't shared with you yet. I escaped to a local coffee/fro-yo shop (mostly for the wifi), and here you go:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BWTA-iTbjxhvDDdWmJEn7FP9wOjkJTzG2hnEnHw0jq7k5ZqQkVRV9iBBLXL5UMSX7xw6X_OA4KT3kDnuwiYs5H_2RT6W0XYGf5wgk2PToJtwzmOzMrO6xlQC74uFKBuU2j6trRqio2L6/s1600/DSCN1852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BWTA-iTbjxhvDDdWmJEn7FP9wOjkJTzG2hnEnHw0jq7k5ZqQkVRV9iBBLXL5UMSX7xw6X_OA4KT3kDnuwiYs5H_2RT6W0XYGf5wgk2PToJtwzmOzMrO6xlQC74uFKBuU2j6trRqio2L6/s400/DSCN1852.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEl-Mm9-RXFxcM3blDcxxVeWnked1NwFFQh_JM1FIdoDNDjt9z9giGWyEGrQVdMMOiRrxECCdCr7AZcWY2sRhcJv6v53C0s1ajXIf4fKqc-pHfSmJoYc06eftmp5C8NAcMdbj9m3Ry3j4e/s1600/DSCN1854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEl-Mm9-RXFxcM3blDcxxVeWnked1NwFFQh_JM1FIdoDNDjt9z9giGWyEGrQVdMMOiRrxECCdCr7AZcWY2sRhcJv6v53C0s1ajXIf4fKqc-pHfSmJoYc06eftmp5C8NAcMdbj9m3Ry3j4e/s400/DSCN1854.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's all set up in my office/craft room with my just-for-work computer on it. I finished it off with a spray polyurethane sealant (I don't remember the name and the can is in the garage at home), but I loved it. This bottle's sprayer was different, it sprayed in a straight line so getting an even coat was a breeze. If I ever use a spray primer again, I'll look for a similar spray pattern. </div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896342375523870757.post-23627378014356465322013-10-01T20:10:00.003-07:002013-10-01T20:10:20.391-07:00Moving Week!My apologies for yesterday, the desk made it into the trailer before I could photograph it. Pictures will come <strike>this week</strike>, that much I can promise. We officially move tomorrow, internet won't be set up until Monday evening. Blogging for the rest of the week will be sporadic and brief, but I do have some "before" pictures to tide you over. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRJPaohCDdzh_LqBHaRijnJhwDD7PWHKeK0ZGRfPGFhNHUxDHCAf_uZwLRSjPNfRMGA28GGiGAlAkdbQMRP5wQh80qnka98MGJHb-gj6nb5_HEZVFUjT_xxXolHGBEegP8DYXaaBqo7_V/s1600/DSCN1815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRJPaohCDdzh_LqBHaRijnJhwDD7PWHKeK0ZGRfPGFhNHUxDHCAf_uZwLRSjPNfRMGA28GGiGAlAkdbQMRP5wQh80qnka98MGJHb-gj6nb5_HEZVFUjT_xxXolHGBEegP8DYXaaBqo7_V/s400/DSCN1815.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The living room, as you walk in the front door. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJA3c1-dr2m37AigEfaoWcHt8l21ZNp7QQE48qNTL8lVSdeMkkiASFvrXrkq-BEuhnvHBsoNpE_D__3DQNDUSpvFXx7Bmq3vfqrqzAdbOKPG9joJtmp23ToGNVgbMhoKlPKKqDsIlcIvtx/s1600/DSCN1816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJA3c1-dr2m37AigEfaoWcHt8l21ZNp7QQE48qNTL8lVSdeMkkiASFvrXrkq-BEuhnvHBsoNpE_D__3DQNDUSpvFXx7Bmq3vfqrqzAdbOKPG9joJtmp23ToGNVgbMhoKlPKKqDsIlcIvtx/s400/DSCN1816.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The living room again, but you can see the kitchen and dining nook on the other side of the fireplace better. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NNW_vVGyBh0H5ziR55g5-XlcEUJ5YfCcgvjUifTja_2ZNkatwpd0xCs6NQk_IRpeGBC06ANtUcLNPG_Qn6BsK2_bD9C2SnyUfYqzj64WNjfj5pB06Rs9c1Dd-sM98i1U_FlHfi_xSZBS/s1600/DSCN1817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NNW_vVGyBh0H5ziR55g5-XlcEUJ5YfCcgvjUifTja_2ZNkatwpd0xCs6NQk_IRpeGBC06ANtUcLNPG_Qn6BsK2_bD9C2SnyUfYqzj64WNjfj5pB06Rs9c1Dd-sM98i1U_FlHfi_xSZBS/s400/DSCN1817.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Said dining nook.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJGWDilhqSmiQ7-Nzd3vzKjT8h1umTdipWUJudAdp8a7f1zWgpa9DfS5FkJ0nEn020J3tycjb98dLQ2WcUKIRaPlB8e91_XFG4HjFaaFVUmJoc_VfSrYgAnaR5ULJMDw6q8DpFs3F1Jxm/s1600/DSCN1818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJGWDilhqSmiQ7-Nzd3vzKjT8h1umTdipWUJudAdp8a7f1zWgpa9DfS5FkJ0nEn020J3tycjb98dLQ2WcUKIRaPlB8e91_XFG4HjFaaFVUmJoc_VfSrYgAnaR5ULJMDw6q8DpFs3F1Jxm/s400/DSCN1818.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The galley kitchen.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WwARDbPe6sDOViSFu88oec3DkbE61106E5M6gFKbl68a9RTkVtRxOpCN22xusYEECbuv3hhyphenhyphen1FAKp11OYSv8PQ05Fvw2YFwabkAC3VSuMBpuUkdWnhgQrV6vCmdz79RUkbUjKRtnRdQg/s1600/DSCN1819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WwARDbPe6sDOViSFu88oec3DkbE61106E5M6gFKbl68a9RTkVtRxOpCN22xusYEECbuv3hhyphenhyphen1FAKp11OYSv8PQ05Fvw2YFwabkAC3VSuMBpuUkdWnhgQrV6vCmdz79RUkbUjKRtnRdQg/s400/DSCN1819.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hallway connecting the kitchen/living area (behind us) to the garage (to the left, after the hall curves). The door on the immediate left is the half-bath (next picture), straight ahead is a closet, and the door on the right is the utility room. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IVYN1XM1VRq7etsRVhcrZQQ6yz0PdeMyHyDoQ2tMa56ML1ybpKSK9tN8yWbnVXlVu18x4BUuwPMehsRBHZM26EIWrSC-ZcTB2VwrMeeC2FDDJK1fvg1X9242ojp_VW5Yhs-jMO-CiyB2/s1600/DSCN1820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IVYN1XM1VRq7etsRVhcrZQQ6yz0PdeMyHyDoQ2tMa56ML1ybpKSK9tN8yWbnVXlVu18x4BUuwPMehsRBHZM26EIWrSC-ZcTB2VwrMeeC2FDDJK1fvg1X9242ojp_VW5Yhs-jMO-CiyB2/s400/DSCN1820.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqe0_oO1Tk_rjL0xIpiQtFPqJ5t3KWaL_anchLuFDsP8SFAJB-6hHgGaII9sGVzWja8lWp1pFAv3Z4WhBSmYJrwFqUV3zKYti8jL0MT2u-wAQsCuBK-hdqdFIz_gVf6ci17GEzsssoBWeL/s1600/DSCN1822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqe0_oO1Tk_rjL0xIpiQtFPqJ5t3KWaL_anchLuFDsP8SFAJB-6hHgGaII9sGVzWja8lWp1pFAv3Z4WhBSmYJrwFqUV3zKYti8jL0MT2u-wAQsCuBK-hdqdFIz_gVf6ci17GEzsssoBWeL/s400/DSCN1822.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The kitchen again. After I took the picture in the hallway, I basically turned around to take this picture. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5otkTcygRgWsrBmPYVSbmOh5pgHIEYt6gwtN9suGP5iSe_i-HhTNcSR_bu9LghjY8mSLSM1MhULNi5VWj0ybgJLl0WGXR3H6UMCgH3hFMqNV1GIGTg5uxNbCE6zTdLRpQPZ5QyaVopqg/s1600/DSCN1823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5otkTcygRgWsrBmPYVSbmOh5pgHIEYt6gwtN9suGP5iSe_i-HhTNcSR_bu9LghjY8mSLSM1MhULNi5VWj0ybgJLl0WGXR3H6UMCgH3hFMqNV1GIGTg5uxNbCE6zTdLRpQPZ5QyaVopqg/s400/DSCN1823.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Up the clausterphobic stairs...</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKBj-VpKPSptGBqaxd_2dE7X2H1KqNitXT_JhS-LLhnbD_EeckhGcYuHbdJpNFJBLR-uJfy1wCC0nZg2_Kn5qsV4FC6qfHWa4vojzmpdtVvw4O_HzgBdp3D-2P_JLRM2chn10RKfGbKkN/s1600/DSCN1825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKBj-VpKPSptGBqaxd_2dE7X2H1KqNitXT_JhS-LLhnbD_EeckhGcYuHbdJpNFJBLR-uJfy1wCC0nZg2_Kn5qsV4FC6qfHWa4vojzmpdtVvw4O_HzgBdp3D-2P_JLRM2chn10RKfGbKkN/s400/DSCN1825.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
to the weird room-that's-not-a-room at the top of them! We're not sure what to do with this space yet.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HTnByjytKJ2zDp7n60uqtMxbm-DpOPMFOnsxKsyar4eo83YomIu3Rw1LaXHcn11I4mImSMIOWfwi0LMqSNKgsfID_donKKqdaVIoZqBe5Fi8ZiNW_5vFptpB2QqdZ2oKhK-t-ZkNDoyX/s1600/DSCN1824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HTnByjytKJ2zDp7n60uqtMxbm-DpOPMFOnsxKsyar4eo83YomIu3Rw1LaXHcn11I4mImSMIOWfwi0LMqSNKgsfID_donKKqdaVIoZqBe5Fi8ZiNW_5vFptpB2QqdZ2oKhK-t-ZkNDoyX/s400/DSCN1824.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Right at the top of the stairs, there's a laundry room.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGmdFX9N7zF-cnDx1IhOtOG-gTTC7-QH6mhMM1dr8gBcXbHj0WaVcP1bpoP1PFKrxzmnlj-0sbtohdFpYbToPkeQtZCQgrKXsHwV7SqfbJokGjM7xyduFw0ZVgALHMJ971SvCjkpoZyeJ/s1600/DSCN1826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGmdFX9N7zF-cnDx1IhOtOG-gTTC7-QH6mhMM1dr8gBcXbHj0WaVcP1bpoP1PFKrxzmnlj-0sbtohdFpYbToPkeQtZCQgrKXsHwV7SqfbJokGjM7xyduFw0ZVgALHMJ971SvCjkpoZyeJ/s400/DSCN1826.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A small bedroom that will be my office/craft room, as I'll be working from home.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyg18776Tv4lOZaY2gAFrd9PKNGeR32O-X0CJ3XisJ1ITJOCv7HyDAtY7CS7J3AZZ6aeNHMZ2eYQOUbi57MZenSKCzjvMCcBsPXYMPOKl-u-VthJAlEMAsvZsrz4fVl4Y_f1-YRGG_Wzzh/s1600/DSCN1827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyg18776Tv4lOZaY2gAFrd9PKNGeR32O-X0CJ3XisJ1ITJOCv7HyDAtY7CS7J3AZZ6aeNHMZ2eYQOUbi57MZenSKCzjvMCcBsPXYMPOKl-u-VthJAlEMAsvZsrz4fVl4Y_f1-YRGG_Wzzh/s400/DSCN1827.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A second small bedroom that will be Ben's work space and a guest room (eventually). </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HC55K-0AeyM_9qQQndw20pe-RYYTKO5En3QK4rxNDNH3tuNaXlrk4oLP71pPIq1baezRxE_vJCpZxcrktw4t8rmPAzNghWyaf5PP45n55HeA-cZEAhQ3ofafmAIdEouCDaFRS57NICA9/s1600/DSCN1828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HC55K-0AeyM_9qQQndw20pe-RYYTKO5En3QK4rxNDNH3tuNaXlrk4oLP71pPIq1baezRxE_vJCpZxcrktw4t8rmPAzNghWyaf5PP45n55HeA-cZEAhQ3ofafmAIdEouCDaFRS57NICA9/s400/DSCN1828.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The indigo bathroom. This one has a tub, but no shower. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPlcm4co0rj3TUINDtAVWJE3jGqoie1RDdqV9sm3ObA2PXcyTfydbovlaP2wwHDDtUngpt2LsvQlegKlP3_JJ0BTV5ge-1cclcZ4G9tJW0eTdsyobAt3YmlRatJ4Md0mSq5RbnQkg3DcL/s1600/DSCN1829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPlcm4co0rj3TUINDtAVWJE3jGqoie1RDdqV9sm3ObA2PXcyTfydbovlaP2wwHDDtUngpt2LsvQlegKlP3_JJ0BTV5ge-1cclcZ4G9tJW0eTdsyobAt3YmlRatJ4Md0mSq5RbnQkg3DcL/s400/DSCN1829.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The aforementioned tub.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQ0UU2eOiUNX4U9XN9IBsgoBIMKyXUZcxmTJwpEZEEBsIEZY_05vqLWsJe09hwwAF9hqSsG68aygPgs30gcJ39ZWSJ1PoaRcTFR7BmgFnryLbHKMRA_Z7Mv1pnzMRq39G1E1rZrzDLLhr/s1600/DSCN1830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQ0UU2eOiUNX4U9XN9IBsgoBIMKyXUZcxmTJwpEZEEBsIEZY_05vqLWsJe09hwwAF9hqSsG68aygPgs30gcJ39ZWSJ1PoaRcTFR7BmgFnryLbHKMRA_Z7Mv1pnzMRq39G1E1rZrzDLLhr/s400/DSCN1830.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The master bedroom--but wait there's more!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaGUOwmMW0vOYllH5mE-Inpe2t5Kyh1XTNY7_s_3MQXd2t10CeIcbf7BK79343mq7axChWjs-D9s556rbFIZEVUZgqPmOs2aDTu-LSb3lnKu7bd8t-fNZ1VUN9cwAy6zs84V2V4_3TZ3K/s1600/DSCN1831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaGUOwmMW0vOYllH5mE-Inpe2t5Kyh1XTNY7_s_3MQXd2t10CeIcbf7BK79343mq7axChWjs-D9s556rbFIZEVUZgqPmOs2aDTu-LSb3lnKu7bd8t-fNZ1VUN9cwAy6zs84V2V4_3TZ3K/s400/DSCN1831.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Also the master bedroom. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3V5ixjWVLypq-HCAAMUZf7RrEpXtt3uv96yrXDi6zqiDrupQ7P0KYxncauKZG6mzcNfPmBZh7BjVyNOcqqfwbtFM-Pab0f4TbLyb95JGtXOI6E8TsEMVI11ID0L3aEyQIC2pMaSs580r/s1600/DSCN1832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3V5ixjWVLypq-HCAAMUZf7RrEpXtt3uv96yrXDi6zqiDrupQ7P0KYxncauKZG6mzcNfPmBZh7BjVyNOcqqfwbtFM-Pab0f4TbLyb95JGtXOI6E8TsEMVI11ID0L3aEyQIC2pMaSs580r/s400/DSCN1832.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Walk-in closet!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXZ0dxtsTtbTdfGwufZqwaZ4VjrVx4QiEJ_ZyhVipDwWCZAyaMmetulgzHX69IcK7RE2ygvigv0sRltWdGSikRrcXvTNezS0WZQWaWosN30EApIFjR53B9I_siUilJCK-owyfUT_x55sy/s1600/DSCN1833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXZ0dxtsTtbTdfGwufZqwaZ4VjrVx4QiEJ_ZyhVipDwWCZAyaMmetulgzHX69IcK7RE2ygvigv0sRltWdGSikRrcXvTNezS0WZQWaWosN30EApIFjR53B9I_siUilJCK-owyfUT_x55sy/s400/DSCN1833.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And finally, the en suite, with a shower but not a tub. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896342375523870757.post-13839980413072340572013-09-26T07:00:00.000-07:002013-09-26T07:00:07.288-07:00Pink Surprise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWfFUUGsXcoofHg3WPgL-S72lPaNVUaXw_Qo-MlN6mbpJliFpeKbG8eitQMyqzBd-adFBY6WCli_yOiKzaU3YMj_vnXQ2w2ZykJhi21V00UxSYMWcO2HsKIiwwKVznZJRakOKwhJOGNFp/s1600/DSCN1811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWfFUUGsXcoofHg3WPgL-S72lPaNVUaXw_Qo-MlN6mbpJliFpeKbG8eitQMyqzBd-adFBY6WCli_yOiKzaU3YMj_vnXQ2w2ZykJhi21V00UxSYMWcO2HsKIiwwKVznZJRakOKwhJOGNFp/s400/DSCN1811.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's pink! Pink accent paint! And it looks really bright and scary in the can!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I actually love the color as is. However, when I put the gray paint on I wasn't 100% decided on where the pink would go, so I decided to paint the whole thing gray and then layer pink selectively on top. That way, everything ends up the same pink, instead of a muted pink-over-gray right next to a bright just-pink-and-primer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdciN43UVTw-fLpj_qX5FHOUpcS4Rrp49a0g8vuEFHoAqRnKh75fhQsjVPpJR4VNauk3WMzG5PY8KAVAtw2Fd121K8cQUgU7zEeZW3JtVFgbSU2E27xP8UZ06VnoEXOaXiLcIbB7jm9B2/s1600/DSCN1809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdciN43UVTw-fLpj_qX5FHOUpcS4Rrp49a0g8vuEFHoAqRnKh75fhQsjVPpJR4VNauk3WMzG5PY8KAVAtw2Fd121K8cQUgU7zEeZW3JtVFgbSU2E27xP8UZ06VnoEXOaXiLcIbB7jm9B2/s400/DSCN1809.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I applied some blue painter's tape to keep my edges clean, and got started.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDIBEhIqqzWynsg6lgrQ32M9thIEFrezMNV9Rd-xoYbR3lfUk6-QwJmBY36XdVk7mLlFiHaj5CaSNSM4BEGTiZNkVu4f9krBldGqCyi98wgFYOdR35yOz25gz2MIXGp6MrEnJwWUGYfAX/s1600/DSCN1810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDIBEhIqqzWynsg6lgrQ32M9thIEFrezMNV9Rd-xoYbR3lfUk6-QwJmBY36XdVk7mLlFiHaj5CaSNSM4BEGTiZNkVu4f9krBldGqCyi98wgFYOdR35yOz25gz2MIXGp6MrEnJwWUGYfAX/s400/DSCN1810.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tqwrnId_G6pivtsXdOGmn31EZc7D-mEqcKMeLfIN_QjDKBrpenirMARq7OZ1osHOcmCkfO9uZCZQiRmJlCNP9JPDPPTqFDoSxY680ZyYq4802iyCi8VjIVUbwNXcsNMcOf0dvS9rhve5/s1600/DSCN1812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tqwrnId_G6pivtsXdOGmn31EZc7D-mEqcKMeLfIN_QjDKBrpenirMARq7OZ1osHOcmCkfO9uZCZQiRmJlCNP9JPDPPTqFDoSxY680ZyYq4802iyCi8VjIVUbwNXcsNMcOf0dvS9rhve5/s400/DSCN1812.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I believe this was taken in between coats.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Come back tomorrow for the finished project!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896342375523870757.post-36653227021547877092013-09-25T07:00:00.000-07:002013-09-25T07:00:10.536-07:007 DaysWe're moving in 7 days. 7 days. It's snuck up on me.<br />
<br />
We made an epic trip to Ikea over the weekend, buying a bed, a desk, a shelf, couch, and a tv stand; all to be delivered our first Saturday in the new place.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tZ6cSPXeCbs3mC1FUxJQF3YWZE-F529Wf9_7_zKBnVQ9Rxo3-4Ki76h921crPz5UVU9S8GQYhvvMdY5U0-lXzA9pOWKR-_stppyF7qDAiaiUh3GAmevhIVf8k2-oC4EFk5KRq5hdBXGT/s1600/DSCN1803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tZ6cSPXeCbs3mC1FUxJQF3YWZE-F529Wf9_7_zKBnVQ9Rxo3-4Ki76h921crPz5UVU9S8GQYhvvMdY5U0-lXzA9pOWKR-_stppyF7qDAiaiUh3GAmevhIVf8k2-oC4EFk5KRq5hdBXGT/s320/DSCN1803.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Excuse the cruddy iPhone shot from the Ikea check out line. In line, my husband is dancing to the music. Meanwhile, I'm collapsed on top of our cart–brain overload!<br />
<br />
We're moving on Wednesday, so we'll be "camping" for a few days, I guess. It'll be fun, right? Right?<br />
<br />
I haven't made much progress on the packing front, since so much of my free time has been devoted to the desk, so I re-balanced that equation tonight. Nothing new on the desk front, but half of my kitchen is packed!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896342375523870757.post-14442486189659677082013-09-24T07:44:00.000-07:002013-09-24T07:44:00.953-07:002nd coat-check!For the second coat, I switched to a foam brush. Roughly 10,000 times easier (roughly), no brush strokes, and it went down in about 45 minutes instead of 2.5 hours.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7i-lH2RfZXMbEopOTXi38fsxQ5I4KdJRRDpX6sZkGlHVkMrCDTuCA_bdv3BcruSMqJB9VXRc-DJAFJGkH5SYayw9Ol2-7szF0U3RlizemgiHuva1GjWf12rQxPavG_jYCyNKVCQgASYG/s1600/DSCN1804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7i-lH2RfZXMbEopOTXi38fsxQ5I4KdJRRDpX6sZkGlHVkMrCDTuCA_bdv3BcruSMqJB9VXRc-DJAFJGkH5SYayw9Ol2-7szF0U3RlizemgiHuva1GjWf12rQxPavG_jYCyNKVCQgASYG/s400/DSCN1804.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The above pic, taken after coat 1, shows off the brush strokes better.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9x29qi7T1IE4S74eacTzqWSvho3SszYfI8VkDJKO-Oei6JbWz8tYHCWoi285wvPYZ4zoxXTya_UO-BW8hCG0uF-7aHiMUlTZiNfruk3zfLbq9_hf7nn1sc15zRgXvyOg1wu4o5RFT9JLB/s1600/DSCN1807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9x29qi7T1IE4S74eacTzqWSvho3SszYfI8VkDJKO-Oei6JbWz8tYHCWoi285wvPYZ4zoxXTya_UO-BW8hCG0uF-7aHiMUlTZiNfruk3zfLbq9_hf7nn1sc15zRgXvyOg1wu4o5RFT9JLB/s400/DSCN1807.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is after coat 2--much better!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiRu6Hlh5Pfg3MkLsXrngLUDy8loyAhZkXvOGwPwmWPpt3QDPudWOqGDlRoIe7x5idl9Y8kVExhY15CQJZD1zLJOFr876bmhE4OfHq4EuPGZwIPyExgYBfcFF5ncjrqKerwaahoEe8ii8/s1600/DSCN1806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiRu6Hlh5Pfg3MkLsXrngLUDy8loyAhZkXvOGwPwmWPpt3QDPudWOqGDlRoIe7x5idl9Y8kVExhY15CQJZD1zLJOFr876bmhE4OfHq4EuPGZwIPyExgYBfcFF5ncjrqKerwaahoEe8ii8/s400/DSCN1806.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82ZIzKEErXPp7q41RGzjmndF0ycFf9QsgYoViqRdgo4NrfBpVE-9ERzOJ6zEv8m300Pq3SYoAwAX-g_0J9VMZAfnjH7G6IFtJKD-KrUfBWJEbr_nU4n0PQo3KeJ3vSbJlJ5k8E7qGZ19r/s1600/DSCN1808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82ZIzKEErXPp7q41RGzjmndF0ycFf9QsgYoViqRdgo4NrfBpVE-9ERzOJ6zEv8m300Pq3SYoAwAX-g_0J9VMZAfnjH7G6IFtJKD-KrUfBWJEbr_nU4n0PQo3KeJ3vSbJlJ5k8E7qGZ19r/s400/DSCN1808.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On deck for tomorrow: Accent color!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896342375523870757.post-37587612040327996402013-09-23T07:33:00.000-07:002013-09-23T07:33:00.482-07:001st coat-check!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I started with a typical art-class paint brush and cut it around the hardware. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJ_tYJgbzRuvVa2u3AufoL_xToNqDVNDOIy7i6xlUatn7sDdIi80qPsPVnCCS6tKeLvsa0QDrWZvKEsGaHM6tJgVzVjyOi3Y2P43S4BaV1gnLz0v1iFJ0XL5HE3pG1HkIb8i3s_qM3LMG/s1600/DSCN1800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJ_tYJgbzRuvVa2u3AufoL_xToNqDVNDOIy7i6xlUatn7sDdIi80qPsPVnCCS6tKeLvsa0QDrWZvKEsGaHM6tJgVzVjyOi3Y2P43S4BaV1gnLz0v1iFJ0XL5HE3pG1HkIb8i3s_qM3LMG/s320/DSCN1800.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
This is the the only picture I took while painting, or rather, while pretending to paint. I'm not sufficiently talented to actually paint within the lines with my right hand while simultaneously taking an in-focus picture with my left hand. If you look closely, you'll notice the brush is hovering just above the surface. That's the way I roll? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And boom, the first coat is done!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUCPLcqAvsC77_x3TT69OYHfpSEYKxj-voxWvR66MEIGyAKvLNn4KmVoJjaXiH3D0m8MIP6QwHOlPeoqbiaTEyUw_xWgEjNbbfBX6mMvoc9E-vTqZMr51C-eCyYFBVoc4RW5D6v6oBtMq/s1600/DSCN1801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUCPLcqAvsC77_x3TT69OYHfpSEYKxj-voxWvR66MEIGyAKvLNn4KmVoJjaXiH3D0m8MIP6QwHOlPeoqbiaTEyUw_xWgEjNbbfBX6mMvoc9E-vTqZMr51C-eCyYFBVoc4RW5D6v6oBtMq/s400/DSCN1801.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhShcksQPeg03WGXpfkzSFFIstUECtgvsP1qF-uV0MCGT9cCtaeYc7FJRlQs-XgpkKK1t8cIigOXNKEsXzNlzKTLSPHuRrO7of41BbC0135H3dkuiR1ECm8LmeUXvnaccWQ_3Ol0s5YhT/s1600/DSCN1802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhShcksQPeg03WGXpfkzSFFIstUECtgvsP1qF-uV0MCGT9cCtaeYc7FJRlQs-XgpkKK1t8cIigOXNKEsXzNlzKTLSPHuRrO7of41BbC0135H3dkuiR1ECm8LmeUXvnaccWQ_3Ol0s5YhT/s400/DSCN1802.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I used a nylon brush paintbrush, and struggled against brush marks the entire time. It was a losing battle, though it's hard to tell from the pictures. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I tried to do long brush strokes, but I couldn't get the right amount of paint on the brush. It would either be way too little and it would only cover about 6 inches; or it would be to much and it would go all over the place, but only in the immediate vicinity of that first touch and no where else. I did the best I could, and changed strategy for the second coat. More on that tomorrow!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896342375523870757.post-82743981513091681992013-09-19T21:13:00.001-07:002013-09-19T21:13:02.611-07:00Too humid to paintThe internet said it was too humid to paint today, so I didn't. It was hard to pinpoint how humid is too humid, but some consensus emerged at 70-80%. <div><br></div><div>It's been warm with scattered showers today, by the time I got home from work the humidity was 79% and climbing.</div><div><br></div><div>Other than some light sanding, the desk was untouched today. I do have this glamorous shot from yesterday, though.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgmwEfhLSScSa6EnfH9nhxhMQGbIt31FsGo-1j6Xt62j4h50qj53He3dqrjXsgudgwFznhqnWo-Lj_BjbfRN1gKsTwGFJkeWosJFoTNItINFOjmqgCxw9iWzHbSwOk-XK6OQ_BuHkvqPs/s640/blogger-image--364747902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgmwEfhLSScSa6EnfH9nhxhMQGbIt31FsGo-1j6Xt62j4h50qj53He3dqrjXsgudgwFznhqnWo-Lj_BjbfRN1gKsTwGFJkeWosJFoTNItINFOjmqgCxw9iWzHbSwOk-XK6OQ_BuHkvqPs/s640/blogger-image--364747902.jpg"></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896342375523870757.post-3184187438255416202013-09-19T07:00:00.000-07:002013-09-19T07:00:02.539-07:00Primed and Ready!Today's mission was priming, two coats, please. Except I stupidly only bought one can of primer. Because you can totally get two-three coats out of one can, right? WRONG!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-ygGYjdbYTzf7EzZNNSO-ChkDXs6thymq2H9RNW7zuUsqxfZzmC_yPz6G8L8iteKWosbwx-k34Yj89sv1Rw-e_ek3DOdyyM9buiCdky0WzluTODD_TkOKcmxafVjfz7IEQqWWCKoBiZ_/s1600/DSCN1794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-ygGYjdbYTzf7EzZNNSO-ChkDXs6thymq2H9RNW7zuUsqxfZzmC_yPz6G8L8iteKWosbwx-k34Yj89sv1Rw-e_ek3DOdyyM9buiCdky0WzluTODD_TkOKcmxafVjfz7IEQqWWCKoBiZ_/s400/DSCN1794.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2lHJjHEkvIkABjlen9_ZiMid1U6K4LBwzTVFRbE7ffQgdCxVdH9mfkklcyozZneQrky1NX9nGiG0HSLfftdY0iaxLCl48VlCeTmdxPYgTCF3-Yq4tS9b3zPrjpwE8B_yCQf4yuAaF_TC/s1600/DSCN1793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2lHJjHEkvIkABjlen9_ZiMid1U6K4LBwzTVFRbE7ffQgdCxVdH9mfkklcyozZneQrky1NX9nGiG0HSLfftdY0iaxLCl48VlCeTmdxPYgTCF3-Yq4tS9b3zPrjpwE8B_yCQf4yuAaF_TC/s400/DSCN1793.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This is how far one can got me. Roughly halfway through the actual desk, not a drop on the door. Emergency trip to the hardware store! Because really, what DIY project would be complete without one?<br />
<br />
Picked up three more cans, finished the first coat and let it dry for an hour:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDNMth0znvjbfF3HcsS3mZOwGSAYddrQPGlmRoX8EHog3PNoG97cfICgozY4TVxKrdFW-IKMjr93oXmAcbxM3EH0WNOAWS7wwR_kFgu0dKReWIjV8B1e5_IoyMyoNmIHLkhVJk9vwIWI0/s1600/DSCN1795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDNMth0znvjbfF3HcsS3mZOwGSAYddrQPGlmRoX8EHog3PNoG97cfICgozY4TVxKrdFW-IKMjr93oXmAcbxM3EH0WNOAWS7wwR_kFgu0dKReWIjV8B1e5_IoyMyoNmIHLkhVJk9vwIWI0/s400/DSCN1795.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Then I put on the second coat and called it a night:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_8oSNTZJZs3-efL0rN2O0K7tTYzvLhrI20LhuKa6na0HaonySnCP_ALv5W7BPd8Oa2DjPMNWSkaZ7IwcnyqDqfr4ycEFY4yrqjqdCgwfzJzbR1ly5Qgm5Dld56b_1c2_FRumAak6qupi/s1600/DSCN1796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_8oSNTZJZs3-efL0rN2O0K7tTYzvLhrI20LhuKa6na0HaonySnCP_ALv5W7BPd8Oa2DjPMNWSkaZ7IwcnyqDqfr4ycEFY4yrqjqdCgwfzJzbR1ly5Qgm5Dld56b_1c2_FRumAak6qupi/s400/DSCN1796.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoA9d8ChDaaruhxWYKO843-EO85rMVQo1gfRuVPCVXRzFhm0HnnQKcJijHep4S8OdeqftRLS6Pzdr044jNf5EnN29S2DoP_FRbqNXtfyT_Z48-4mBYcQ-Jdkaka4WEoyfg9ydhr465nxq/s1600/DSCN1797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoA9d8ChDaaruhxWYKO843-EO85rMVQo1gfRuVPCVXRzFhm0HnnQKcJijHep4S8OdeqftRLS6Pzdr044jNf5EnN29S2DoP_FRbqNXtfyT_Z48-4mBYcQ-Jdkaka4WEoyfg9ydhr465nxq/s400/DSCN1797.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Remember how I didn't sand the inside panels of the drawer? After the second coat, you can't tell. At least not yet. We'll see how it looks once it's completely dry, I might skip sanding next time.<br />
<br />
Next steps: light sanding to even out any heavier spots, and the first coat of actual paint. Not sure how long it will take the paint to dry, so I'm only planning to do one coat tomorrow. We'll see.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896342375523870757.post-78500604960848620072013-09-18T07:13:00.000-07:002013-09-18T07:13:00.630-07:00Refinishing the desk: Part 3Polished off the sanding tonight (that's almost a pun, right?), filled in a couple nicks and called it a night.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrs2oVt4F9LHMxMxnaC43BwZ9TCqCHMKp3XrcklAZYdLRB2iZGwMd2bGb-Mvn44GlIjXe8h7ZL8sw1yx3bcHcnn-7lzvSoA2yfaikaVMlFP3jZpnc7gTH3fX3Sx9nowd0xQPfWgi3BF6K/s1600/DSCN1785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrs2oVt4F9LHMxMxnaC43BwZ9TCqCHMKp3XrcklAZYdLRB2iZGwMd2bGb-Mvn44GlIjXe8h7ZL8sw1yx3bcHcnn-7lzvSoA2yfaikaVMlFP3jZpnc7gTH3fX3Sx9nowd0xQPfWgi3BF6K/s400/DSCN1785.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
You'll notice I skipped the inside side panels of the drawer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0J5yDoP6o-Sv-MlMGLh2t5z6rMm91_n121zhJx7E_ol2LDkTowzNW93iKPH5Mz9hwUtrL30jhUrBupp5eRFgNH5JvGnVxZ2l7l-E0uo6-06boTzpKBqDKrLcvbOVjtH_KxHlgc2Jm3s5/s1600/DSCN1787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0J5yDoP6o-Sv-MlMGLh2t5z6rMm91_n121zhJx7E_ol2LDkTowzNW93iKPH5Mz9hwUtrL30jhUrBupp5eRFgNH5JvGnVxZ2l7l-E0uo6-06boTzpKBqDKrLcvbOVjtH_KxHlgc2Jm3s5/s400/DSCN1787.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I started them, as you can tell from the picture. I started them and quickly decided it wasn't worth it. They'll only be visible when the drawer is open, and oh my god all those corners! If I were to do it, it would take another 4 hours; I honestly do not have it in me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4t5aNzzGm29o-Xh99TC7ZicouGNfUwf4E-cqfsVkztMzq5mk2MZnxFKEh7t4V77j3-hFTm1vTBaSyEDDKdzAr_0JYP4IqkEFZAh49kHLievCp6PrW6nHnQ_RN8oPJrgg3Vm-HHsRgDLO/s1600/DSCN1788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4t5aNzzGm29o-Xh99TC7ZicouGNfUwf4E-cqfsVkztMzq5mk2MZnxFKEh7t4V77j3-hFTm1vTBaSyEDDKdzAr_0JYP4IqkEFZAh49kHLievCp6PrW6nHnQ_RN8oPJrgg3Vm-HHsRgDLO/s400/DSCN1788.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I filled in a tiny hole on the top and a nick on the side using Elmer's Carpenter's Wood Filler. I didn't have a putty knife so I improvised with a plastic fork and my finger. It worked just as well and I'm no worse for wear. Let each spot dry 15 minutes, touched it up with some fine-grit sandpaper and considered throwing on a coat of primer.<br />
<br />
I ultimately decided to save the primer for tomorrow. I had the time and the energy to throw on a coat of primer and close up shop for the night; however upon reading the directions, I realized I would need to leave the garage door open while it dries. Which is fine, just not at 10:00 PM. So, that's my plan for tomorrow. Layer of primer when I get home from work, pack for an hour, repeat. The directions say to use 2-3 coats,Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896342375523870757.post-29083477472237081032013-09-17T07:10:00.000-07:002013-09-17T07:10:00.132-07:00After 8 hours of sanding......the sanding isn't quite done.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hrCBoaZ8kx0YNbiqb5rATIsnbZhbc6-jjid00Ecvr9yZNMfYALr3muE9dIgqcMfL08Pi62xawBizXQRAL2XjOpKKqn3Du7AfmADEUHTOGe61UTrh4G7RRxQPGj0-DOD3oRPUcaPNdK-V/s1600/DSCN1784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hrCBoaZ8kx0YNbiqb5rATIsnbZhbc6-jjid00Ecvr9yZNMfYALr3muE9dIgqcMfL08Pi62xawBizXQRAL2XjOpKKqn3Du7AfmADEUHTOGe61UTrh4G7RRxQPGj0-DOD3oRPUcaPNdK-V/s400/DSCN1784.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The body of the desk is almost done. The inside of the right leg isn't there yet, the finish there is more stubborn than it has been on any other piece. And, obviously, I haven't touched the drawer yet.<br />
<br />
Please excuse the moving-mess in the background. 15 days!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896342375523870757.post-67734325804306264102013-09-16T15:57:00.003-07:002013-09-16T19:02:28.781-07:00Surprise Furniture Project!I visited my mom yesterday, and brought home my desk ahead of our move. I've been told the work-at-home equipment from work is very temperamental, and the tech team only comes twice–to set it up when you start, and to tear it down when you leave. So I want my workspace set up before the come; this way the desk will be there right away when we move in.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We also discussed refinishing furniture, vis-a-vis a dresser she's giving us. We sanded the top a little bit just to see, and the varnish started coming off easily. That dresser will be coming up in a truck the weekend after we move in, and I'm planning to tackle that right away. Get it sanded and stained before taking it up the stairs, right?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mom also sent me home with some borrowed and donated tools: steel wool, and hand-sander, and an electric belt sander. And an itch to refinish!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkxGxmZIYYMVJuMzDAjHrkNKixxUvgkY3q_5itiIFuDZFlUcymXlFMM_Lm31WtXE9aMsBnzvdlNAyYQmV8rQD32HvYnTBvhYi4CsS75Vaq42WpNqVe9pZ6MoD5F_izxxKXnpvz40Xf4hG/s1600/DSCN1778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkxGxmZIYYMVJuMzDAjHrkNKixxUvgkY3q_5itiIFuDZFlUcymXlFMM_Lm31WtXE9aMsBnzvdlNAyYQmV8rQD32HvYnTBvhYi4CsS75Vaq42WpNqVe9pZ6MoD5F_izxxKXnpvz40Xf4hG/s400/DSCN1778.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So I started with the desk? Wasn't really planning on it at first, but I have a plan that I'm excited about. I sanded a little corner last night before I remembered to take a picture:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHqp1d90aBFpGRffbioANHtzqI_Udd3OzCG2P_Pgn8RUm8pUWMmtjoBlAemxTWaZ1YIzigHtcPLuLEahZ8SmsU_HoWBnDY-wv2aLH342Pv-T7eObwxEAyr2l0vRgQ1K6J_ZixvEIMbclR/s1600/DSCN1779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHqp1d90aBFpGRffbioANHtzqI_Udd3OzCG2P_Pgn8RUm8pUWMmtjoBlAemxTWaZ1YIzigHtcPLuLEahZ8SmsU_HoWBnDY-wv2aLH342Pv-T7eObwxEAyr2l0vRgQ1K6J_ZixvEIMbclR/s400/DSCN1779.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And I've spent most of the day–6 hours so far–sanding. I've been re-watching Downtown Abby while I'm at it, which helps pass the time. Taking a break for the moment, and I'm hoping to finish up later tonight.<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896342375523870757.post-49621937591309293282013-09-12T08:00:00.000-07:002013-09-12T08:00:02.739-07:00Rio.....de Janeiro? Not quite.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wnUMCvnhFoVR5zOp2xEDim7hy3_UZoZCbkQhIDMe1F6RrpBmPLuSle6BuP0hJjSirfd-nFhWxvRNndtXK7Qdo_9K3xFhSO8aS8KMDvcdImbEzDQF979mp6ejgnAzuCmSh08u0bzsA9Md/s1600/DSCN1777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wnUMCvnhFoVR5zOp2xEDim7hy3_UZoZCbkQhIDMe1F6RrpBmPLuSle6BuP0hJjSirfd-nFhWxvRNndtXK7Qdo_9K3xFhSO8aS8KMDvcdImbEzDQF979mp6ejgnAzuCmSh08u0bzsA9Md/s400/DSCN1777.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rio-dress" target="_blank">Rio Dress</a> knit for a family friend's newborn daughter. As a matter of fact, she was born earlier today, a healthy baby girl. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I modified this slightly; I skipped the horizontal seed stitch band right about the skirt, and I shortened the length. I made the 6 mos size, I'm thinking this will hit at about her knees and I like it like that. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896342375523870757.post-55458983593415637252013-09-11T08:07:00.000-07:002013-09-11T20:10:33.459-07:00Wash ClothsI had two skeins of white and yellow variegated Lily & Cream laying around, and what better use for it than some wash cloths?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFswca1H1Qw6COkQhd8_NZL5R9rpVMqRnC_8TRs39I3fB3QtVKLRxtLb4mY-xsdDzERbrNY-q3cZl9vFj5EiYOobE6hsGrB5sQQFtOhka01SlndG7biVPrUrFMSIe4yLIUfLhMzQLXtYC1/s1600/DSCN1775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFswca1H1Qw6COkQhd8_NZL5R9rpVMqRnC_8TRs39I3fB3QtVKLRxtLb4mY-xsdDzERbrNY-q3cZl9vFj5EiYOobE6hsGrB5sQQFtOhka01SlndG7biVPrUrFMSIe4yLIUfLhMzQLXtYC1/s400/DSCN1775.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
They knit up quickly! When I started knitting, I didn't understand why anyone would hand knit wash cloths only to rub them all over grimy, greasy dishes. Kind of like I didn't understand why anyone would knit socks if they are just going to be covered by shoes. Well, I get it now. The wash cloths at least. They are thicker than store-bought, and more absorbent, and are better at getting the grossness off. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896342375523870757.post-36196181557211341052013-09-10T20:02:00.002-07:002013-09-10T20:03:24.408-07:00Replacement ButtonsFile this under "Wrapping up projects before the move." This dress lost its button a while ago:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dpIGWl_KQPKxHY2AzySrkXOnPMLk6IWdTkjETToqURl9BRao78lzkXCi12VSoSX3Gb3Qvf1ixMjxUQrY-uJiOCHFV_xruWoDTaIxh4toU6xRtJn2vypEdmuYAXoNZ6AzQsvaWKrtlxLn/s1600/DSCN1771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dpIGWl_KQPKxHY2AzySrkXOnPMLk6IWdTkjETToqURl9BRao78lzkXCi12VSoSX3Gb3Qvf1ixMjxUQrY-uJiOCHFV_xruWoDTaIxh4toU6xRtJn2vypEdmuYAXoNZ6AzQsvaWKrtlxLn/s400/DSCN1771.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
But then it found a new one. I couldn't find the spare that originally came with it, so I had to find a replacement.<br />
<br />
Because of the loop, it needed to be a shanked one, but I didn't feel strongly that it needed to be the same exact one. So when I found a white-ish semi-opaque one of the right size, I went for it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDmPn78yFSxu2mottnBV6QdJ2G3PcNthGILwS8LRjlodzCezlp5d-1krc6JTNoYQyB3G4v-w7MKUrpxyEy5kUH_FAaEa5-Q4hXmc6m0nAFCzm5j5XlK6hUbF_q5RIrx9pQrjO6MqLkpsu/s1600/DSCN1773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDmPn78yFSxu2mottnBV6QdJ2G3PcNthGILwS8LRjlodzCezlp5d-1krc6JTNoYQyB3G4v-w7MKUrpxyEy5kUH_FAaEa5-Q4hXmc6m0nAFCzm5j5XlK6hUbF_q5RIrx9pQrjO6MqLkpsu/s400/DSCN1773.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And now it's hanging out in the closet again, where it belongs.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896342375523870757.post-7310718479645706142013-09-09T08:47:00.002-07:002013-09-10T20:03:13.142-07:00We're moving!I am thrilled to announce that we are moving! My husband, Ben, got a teaching job in small community about an hour from where we currently live in Western Wisconsin. In service started in late-August, and he has been commuting ever since, but not for much longer!<br />
<br />
In October, we will be moving into a townhouse in small, artsy community closer to Ben's work. I will work from home in my current position, in online customer service. The blog will continue as normal, with an exciting new component: home decorating!<br />
<br />
This will be our first real place together--we've been living in a furnished apartment over my in-laws garage. Now we get to pull wedding presents out of storage, and go furniture shopping!<br />
<br />
We're still in the planning phase, but here are some things we like:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaji_BRYzDj0gil4TC_dx_eF39bhZiDqXCYNNhz32YEHr46lIHVJTwoz1dyKLQPb8jxXK1vMSYWn5lSnqwhAAvJ9QMdFwvWgc61DfpEgANReMl6otC_Hi88FDhAn2twM9qTxX_Fkmpf8z/s1600/Furniture+Shopping.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaji_BRYzDj0gil4TC_dx_eF39bhZiDqXCYNNhz32YEHr46lIHVJTwoz1dyKLQPb8jxXK1vMSYWn5lSnqwhAAvJ9QMdFwvWgc61DfpEgANReMl6otC_Hi88FDhAn2twM9qTxX_Fkmpf8z/s400/Furniture+Shopping.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
From top left: <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S99875139/#/S09896990" target="_blank">Kivik love seat and chaise</a>, IKEA, $879; <a href="http://www.target.com/p/vine-snap-wall-decor/-/A-13579854#prodSlot=medium_1_4" target="_blank">Vine Snap Wall Decor</a>, Target, $19.99; <a href="http://www.pier1.com/Teal-Honeycomb-Lamp/2530990,default,pd.html?cgid=table_lamps" target="_blank">Teal Honeycomb Lamp</a>, Pier 1 Imports, $55; <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/search/?query=besta" target="_blank">Besta system,</a> IKEA; <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30080316/" target="_blank">Hemnes Day Bed</a>, IKEA, $299; <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S79825193/#/S29901740" target="_blank">Poång in Bomstermåla Multicolor</a>, IKEA, $99; <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00136678/" target="_blank">Vejmon coffee table</a>, $149, IKEA; <a href="http://www.target.com/p/threshold-windham-accent-cabinet/-/A-14500789#prodSlot=medium_1_1" target="_blank">Threshold Windham Accent Cabinet</a>, Target, $120; <a href="http://www.pier1.com/Swirl-Sculpture---Silver/2595128,default,pd.html?cgid=accent_pieces" target="_blank">Swirl Sculpture,</a> Pier 1 Imports, $19.95. </div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896342375523870757.post-50783842912093197622013-09-06T08:32:00.002-07:002013-09-06T08:32:48.878-07:00My First Quilt: Part 4Once I was organized, it was smooth sailing–er, sewing. Progressing horizontally across the quilt, I sewed pairs of blocks together, and then sewed sets of double-blocks together and sew on (sorry, I couldn't resist). This part went pretty quickly. Once that was finished, I sewed the horizontal bars together and le voilà!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCe8E13T0lPpXoMHRiEugqO3WfmH6M0R5xRgb8cTW4Gg0g8HG7bkoPIOBb_twK22qiIESkjiuvkXetmO7hyRazoK5r16M3lnpWbzdDcf1-TAG5groMii1lr2lX5s_j-dzUUNU1by1luRb8/s1600/DSCN1513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCe8E13T0lPpXoMHRiEugqO3WfmH6M0R5xRgb8cTW4Gg0g8HG7bkoPIOBb_twK22qiIESkjiuvkXetmO7hyRazoK5r16M3lnpWbzdDcf1-TAG5groMii1lr2lX5s_j-dzUUNU1by1luRb8/s640/DSCN1513.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's not completely done yet. It needs a border, and a backing, binding, and then it needs to be quilted; but it's been hanging out in this maybe-80%-finished state for a while.<br />
<br />
These are the fabrics I had originally picked out for the border and the back.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmKRAu1VNHpwnahmBhU3X_ZWkL5QJLKpp7u16FzLfKbxPJg7vW5noOWtp99zZ-Z2-dq3uML9YNDuhs2It4DyuL9UguOkd2o_dg57DzhTiirWbkqzIAJ2r2dlElD_Sfv28WhVRn4QSdmIm/s1600/DSCN1520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmKRAu1VNHpwnahmBhU3X_ZWkL5QJLKpp7u16FzLfKbxPJg7vW5noOWtp99zZ-Z2-dq3uML9YNDuhs2It4DyuL9UguOkd2o_dg57DzhTiirWbkqzIAJ2r2dlElD_Sfv28WhVRn4QSdmIm/s640/DSCN1520.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I'm not quite loving them. They just don't quite seem to fit. And I haven't been a rush to find something else, either.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896342375523870757.post-67193167704063597642013-09-05T07:00:00.000-07:002013-09-05T07:00:07.293-07:00My First Quilt: Part 3When we left off, I had cut the fabric and drawn myself a map.<br />
<br />
When I picked it up again, I realized many of my cuts were off and I had lost my map.<br />
<br />
If the cuts were just crooked, I could have made it work. And many of them were, but there were a few that were waves. I'll post a picture as soon as I can find one, but I have no idea what happened. I couldn't repeat it if I tried.<br />
<br />
I put on my blinders and kept sewing--despite all common sense--because I could sort it all out later and it would be fine. I was lying.<br />
<br />
I had no map. I did not have all the blocks that I started with. I had no idea what I was going to do.<br />
<br />
I ripped out most of the seams that had been sewn, and sorted and counted my blocks again. Then I started arranging them on the floor until it seemed to work again. I had to make two important sacrifices:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>The quilt would be whatever size it wanted to be. It definitely would not cover a queen size bed as intended, and probably wouldn't even cover a twin. It will hang out at the foot of the bed, I guess?</li>
<li>Apparent randomness went out the window. The blocks would have to follow a certain sequence so that one block didn't touch any two of the same.</li>
</ol>
<br />
That is how we arrived at this picture:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixV1CAQWleRQ56nrctsd48Mrcx21UEv4xuzzh0GfePC0qenkn6XRU5_P8SRrVzdul2-bOJsgiXUrF8-B3OiEV4XCabmBq6sIfRLInP8BTQJm-k3MPZXCwZXys9sS2imxghF0lZlVKuqnA3/s1600/DSCN1508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixV1CAQWleRQ56nrctsd48Mrcx21UEv4xuzzh0GfePC0qenkn6XRU5_P8SRrVzdul2-bOJsgiXUrF8-B3OiEV4XCabmBq6sIfRLInP8BTQJm-k3MPZXCwZXys9sS2imxghF0lZlVKuqnA3/s400/DSCN1508.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I didn't just draw a map this time. Oh, no. I drew a map, and labelled it, and stapled a swatch of each fabric to the map. Then I took about six dozen pictures. You know, just in case I accidentally deleted 71 of them.<br />
<br />
When I put the blocks away, I kept them arranged in their rows, paper clipping a scrap of paper with the row number written on it. The rows were then stacked chronologically--it would be smooth sailling from here on out.<br />
<br />
Ten o'clock on a Friday night. Bo was almost as tired as I was. Almost.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896342375523870757.post-60333435828351624712013-09-04T09:00:00.000-07:002013-09-04T09:00:03.078-07:00My First Quilt: Part 2When I started planning this quilt, I knew I couldn't sew a straight line to save my life. I wanted to keep it simple, I wanted to enjoy the process (<i>ha!</i>); which, in my mind, meant not ripping out and redoing every single seam until it was perfect.<br />
<br />
I decided on an off-set brick pattern, in order to avoid an almost-four-corners situation. You know, when there's a little jog because (Oops!) Arizona is crooked. And wide seam allowances, so that when I got of course, I could allow for it and hide it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKouZUpU-lMvSTzrWVGHsDohP7kfQeCoQMkHgiq6rTi4KJNNWJ7xImYvObh3BhdwTbFr612OiEOBdhNazjsDH-p0x45VhbSFTh6tWPEJSNyiKXzChupkw82Dp80jaR9oAvK1ng3dOekpxi/s1600/Quilt+Blank+Slate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKouZUpU-lMvSTzrWVGHsDohP7kfQeCoQMkHgiq6rTi4KJNNWJ7xImYvObh3BhdwTbFr612OiEOBdhNazjsDH-p0x45VhbSFTh6tWPEJSNyiKXzChupkw82Dp80jaR9oAvK1ng3dOekpxi/s320/Quilt+Blank+Slate.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I wanted the pattern to be somewhat random, but I did not want any one square to touch two squares of the same fabric.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_x0wdq_pSp35SlkCbfMbuowO8GpV9beoLNIlpZjloKSPHZEjTyUuPDUPbdtcCwdxPlHJB_VJZ5EtpSaH-SaMZet7vC86EFWv37jehITed41WmAtULDOLju2PS2yRnENdHQ0WZaEU4UVH_/s1600/Quilt+Plan.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_x0wdq_pSp35SlkCbfMbuowO8GpV9beoLNIlpZjloKSPHZEjTyUuPDUPbdtcCwdxPlHJB_VJZ5EtpSaH-SaMZet7vC86EFWv37jehITed41WmAtULDOLju2PS2yRnENdHQ0WZaEU4UVH_/s400/Quilt+Plan.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I wanted this (above) as opposed to that (below)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqHTMiQk3KxW2OdzFAjqmxSzYJCdP9KmB3-evIcbTahC29ptIhx2KJcUFYDEtlncTAbKWSUurMZJMJ9_C_FY-GQTYvUUdOJEsWUA8Jdd_XT3q0JuMy_du693nCNbaan1ukOzMTP3R4Oa2/s1600/Quilt+Plan+Alt.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqHTMiQk3KxW2OdzFAjqmxSzYJCdP9KmB3-evIcbTahC29ptIhx2KJcUFYDEtlncTAbKWSUurMZJMJ9_C_FY-GQTYvUUdOJEsWUA8Jdd_XT3q0JuMy_du693nCNbaan1ukOzMTP3R4Oa2/s400/Quilt+Plan+Alt.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Although based on my sketch, I'm liking the latter better.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I cut my fabric (6" x 4" rectangles), drew myself a map and called it a night.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896342375523870757.post-9913646680001914562013-09-03T09:00:00.000-07:002013-09-03T09:00:10.346-07:00My First Quilt: Part 1Back when I worked at a fabric and craft store, I loved helping customers choose fabrics for quilts. Loved it. Almost as much as I loved putting the fabric away. Okay, maybe the quilting thing is actually second the putting-things-away thing. I loved my job.<br />
<br />
Somewhere along the line, I decided I needed to pick out some fabrics for myself.<br />
<br />
<br />
Picking the fabric was the easy part.<br />
<br />
Picking the fabric was the <i>only</i> easy part.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginYBt9V1qPCNvWdygCmBctm7NorXj-64QhKM46LOxI-SZvsASdsruEv74MZ5bLSwgc2K9vhW85jY8C0k-y_nmj2JwUTkJ46RVu8f7XAJNZq8wvL1LIRixnRzktPWkjG12HA7NOVuk0ejQ/s1600/DSCN1508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginYBt9V1qPCNvWdygCmBctm7NorXj-64QhKM46LOxI-SZvsASdsruEv74MZ5bLSwgc2K9vhW85jY8C0k-y_nmj2JwUTkJ46RVu8f7XAJNZq8wvL1LIRixnRzktPWkjG12HA7NOVuk0ejQ/s400/DSCN1508.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This was the first pick I took, roughly half-way through. At the time, the only thing preventing me from chucking the whole thing was my own pigheadedness. But more on that tomorrow!<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896342375523870757.post-39595407915267804652013-09-02T09:00:00.000-07:002013-09-02T09:00:02.355-07:00Happy Labor Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26dazifezXTIbPnwwF81Bil5HoW2oH4oYuyUMprB32dELznkyxPtuWvatco1LdiLNi2puDgHmPFNGUpyyJQBDIPD681G2O8HLj3ZGx6k-FrpXxSCuDAWZyBwM033XrwmGLBI8-OObDyz6/s1600/Labor+Day+2013.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26dazifezXTIbPnwwF81Bil5HoW2oH4oYuyUMprB32dELznkyxPtuWvatco1LdiLNi2puDgHmPFNGUpyyJQBDIPD681G2O8HLj3ZGx6k-FrpXxSCuDAWZyBwM033XrwmGLBI8-OObDyz6/s400/Labor+Day+2013.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Labor Day!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Yes, there are only 42 stars in my flag. Artistic liberties :) )</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlocIJdrXQHgSE2vxR-bETR8bZqa2OjGjpjyWGkEgv4URwJzmyZHeCI2jbafWi4TkmKV81QOsF8y3t25Pfi_ZNN_v-tBQVrhXVXlzQ6nrkNDnGDo4_XVVgFBUz_WZNSQAm-qLTwN8B6Jyd/s1600/Labor+Day+2013+Canada.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlocIJdrXQHgSE2vxR-bETR8bZqa2OjGjpjyWGkEgv4URwJzmyZHeCI2jbafWi4TkmKV81QOsF8y3t25Pfi_ZNN_v-tBQVrhXVXlzQ6nrkNDnGDo4_XVVgFBUz_WZNSQAm-qLTwN8B6Jyd/s400/Labor+Day+2013+Canada.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896342375523870757.post-40850519203999906572013-08-30T09:00:00.000-07:002013-09-01T16:18:47.095-07:00I French Braided My Dog's Tail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLRXxPs4KUl8YoTjx9A09mUhzPWuXBrQ_bnSh_DjgRWUeMVGMNCxqNh47LufKOhBrISGCpc3irZx-aqNjrmnDCNXUYku-UYWAp6NH3SzDJAOhtirt0EsypOf8x8v7yy-9x5HlLBaR4z0s/s1600/DSCN1737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLRXxPs4KUl8YoTjx9A09mUhzPWuXBrQ_bnSh_DjgRWUeMVGMNCxqNh47LufKOhBrISGCpc3irZx-aqNjrmnDCNXUYku-UYWAp6NH3SzDJAOhtirt0EsypOf8x8v7yy-9x5HlLBaR4z0s/s400/DSCN1737.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because 1) I was bored and 2) He let me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My husband's reaction? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"We better [eventually] have a girl."</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
*No dogs were hurt in the pursuit of this whimsical activity*</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896342375523870757.post-42644876395358723962013-08-29T06:45:00.000-07:002013-09-01T16:19:06.234-07:00Using a Dress FormI haven't gotten the chance to play with mine yet, but here are some useful tutorials for getting started:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.madalynne.com/the-problem-with-dress-forms" target="_blank">The Problem With Dress Forms</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_5016203_use-dress-form.html#page=1" target="_blank">How To Use A Dress Form</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_5106329_drape-fabric-dress-form.html" target="_blank">How To Drape Fabric On A Dress Form</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_7328808_alter-patterns-dress-form.html#page=1" target="_blank">How To Alter Patterns On A Dress Form</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2010/05/meet-new-and-improved-veronica.html" target="_blank">Padding A Dress Form To More Closely Match Your Body</a><br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896342375523870757.post-63319317827956333382013-08-28T07:00:00.000-07:002013-09-01T16:19:35.686-07:00Food for ThoughtQuite literally. Over the last few days, I've watched three documentaries on Netflix:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><i>Hungry For Change</i></li>
<li><i>Chemerical: Redefining Clean for a New Generation</i></li>
<li><i>America The Beautiful 2: The Thin Commandments</i></li>
</ol>
<div>
<i>Hungry For Change</i> focuses on food additives and how they effect the body. Food companies, in the interest of maximizing profits, add compounds to food that extend the shelf life of the product, that create a desire for more in the consumer, etc. A longer shelf life reduces waste and the accompanying loss; to a business, especially in food, waste is money in the garbage. By creating a desire for more, consumers keep coming back for more, they keep eating more and buying more so the company makes more money. The example that really struck me was the combination of aspartame and caffeine in diet soda. Until recently, I could easily down more than 40 ounces of diet soda in a day. I loved the stuff. Well, that wasn't entirely my own doing. The combination is addictive. As it leaves your system, you want more of it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Chemerical</i> focuses on man-made chemicals in every day products, the combination and concentration of which pollutes the air in your home. It can have an adverse effect on individuals with asthma, and there are even some people who are so sensitive to chemicals and fragrances that they cannot lead a "normal" life. The documentary follows a family of five as they make the change to natural cleaners, dominated by white vinegar and baking soda. They progress to making their own personal hygiene products, too. After one month, the air quality in their home is measurably better, and the entire family reported feeling better. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>America The Beautiful</i> focuses on our society's obsession with weight and dieting, and looks at the health aspect. This one is hard to summarize, because it doesn't really find it's direction until the end. It argues that you can be both healthy and overweight, that losing weight may not eliminate all of your health problems but it may eliminate some, and that you can be both unhealthy and thin. It also debunks the BMI as something a mathematician (with no medical training) made up to express a population's average weight and height (as opposed to that of an individual, which is how it is most commonly used). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="font-family: Kfon; font-size: 36px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">w</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The first had me window-shopping for juicers and organic produce, the second made me want to toss out the rest of our cleaning products (I already use vinegar and baking soda for some things). The third had me reconsidering both. Are these extremes? Are they taking it too far? Do they take it far enough?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I do want to be healthier, and I am heavier than I'd like to be; despite the Biggest Loser contest at work I haven't been as diligent as I should. We are hoping to expand our family, and so a healthy body and a healthy home are both important. But too much of a good thing isn't good. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, my takeaways:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>We're going organic</li>
<li>We're adding more vegetables to our diet</li>
<li>We're steering away from processed foods</li>
<li>I'm going to replace store-bought cleaning products with homemade, natural ones</li>
<li>I'm going to exercise daily</li>
</ul>
<div>
I am NOT going to:</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>I'm not going to obsess over every single calorie</li>
<li>I'm not going to exercise multiple times per day</li>
<li>I'm not going to make myself feel bad after enjoying a treat</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896342375523870757.post-91181945483264696512013-08-27T11:00:00.000-07:002013-09-01T16:19:49.754-07:00Mini-Cheesey Pepper Bites<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmafXKWnDAdse0HUBfhfXMWuz1vzdc_O11ixZMTNWWmxASnDaOGj7aw__unLMWHxqajBxSwUAiMgMQwZLjiXvRjKuj3CDXfEIwgkfUk1203XwP3HVnvQlHnguwl1plWOp-lrVdIpoSZzvB/s1600/DSCN1736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmafXKWnDAdse0HUBfhfXMWuz1vzdc_O11ixZMTNWWmxASnDaOGj7aw__unLMWHxqajBxSwUAiMgMQwZLjiXvRjKuj3CDXfEIwgkfUk1203XwP3HVnvQlHnguwl1plWOp-lrVdIpoSZzvB/s400/DSCN1736.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Super-easy snack/appetizer. I had it for lunch today; the first time I made it to take to a friends house for game night.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkYJYuP_g6j2gYbhtazbNj2aa20_XcidmdFzXDVu-rORxr8YjrjsAx7Qmkj2E9I5U13U7SCQ5vNcm4sGYkBEp0ifVpqBH1pqtdOnLFzY7zbUtozV-X68mGhs0C6YAMed6PTO2eGkTVqCj/s1600/DSCN1720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkYJYuP_g6j2gYbhtazbNj2aa20_XcidmdFzXDVu-rORxr8YjrjsAx7Qmkj2E9I5U13U7SCQ5vNcm4sGYkBEp0ifVpqBH1pqtdOnLFzY7zbUtozV-X68mGhs0C6YAMed6PTO2eGkTVqCj/s400/DSCN1720.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Start with Mini Bell Peppers and Mozzarella String Cheese.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Or you can use cheese blocks or shredded cheese. String cheese requires less prep than the blocks, and shredded cheese can get messy; so I like string cheese best.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsy3vROupN8z_ERlny8qkZtm90IeRVApn-j_IIDKFpr_5QbfyDKFCx0ANYaKJrFt3G3evVDu0dAHs7o6hUPOvlyFPj2Ohf8Br1btNotofGIliYyK8Kb3w8hdMhllDBNjpvSXkJIqY_zksr/s1600/DSCN1721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsy3vROupN8z_ERlny8qkZtm90IeRVApn-j_IIDKFpr_5QbfyDKFCx0ANYaKJrFt3G3evVDu0dAHs7o6hUPOvlyFPj2Ohf8Br1btNotofGIliYyK8Kb3w8hdMhllDBNjpvSXkJIqY_zksr/s400/DSCN1721.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wash the peppers. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHNPYW2KmXS41W_o1vrPQ5QoRvcRL4n87KXZ3dFPNennDOgvPbSsRH7W3jAvh7IxxvGKd58WKmwEK_k-yrKKiG8j4Fz08Zh5OU_HcPWgg0l5PDu9P9Cy9yqd9ixhSdJovwWWI8GgVqamr/s1600/DSCN1722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHNPYW2KmXS41W_o1vrPQ5QoRvcRL4n87KXZ3dFPNennDOgvPbSsRH7W3jAvh7IxxvGKd58WKmwEK_k-yrKKiG8j4Fz08Zh5OU_HcPWgg0l5PDu9P9Cy9yqd9ixhSdJovwWWI8GgVqamr/s400/DSCN1722.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cut off the tops.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiSWnBS5B9gLu5d5mRPKgsVv-OEvjJXZTUbKf49uxew8FW0hE6x8JAcsmHNXf2h6pnRXhWSZUsz8R_eVP-L-kESOzwwbC5aewRh5QARP6f_wFV6hix6SHWpDmCB-5QZbomPMALeZElr7E/s1600/DSCN1725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiSWnBS5B9gLu5d5mRPKgsVv-OEvjJXZTUbKf49uxew8FW0hE6x8JAcsmHNXf2h6pnRXhWSZUsz8R_eVP-L-kESOzwwbC5aewRh5QARP6f_wFV6hix6SHWpDmCB-5QZbomPMALeZElr7E/s400/DSCN1725.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Split them down the center.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5o-okN7jTvEaSy8pCTPlLcwKfhuj7aOGDoSP_Eb-nUdQQoIib2GN0NMwSZ3ga_LfkLCHP-VeDeJNB6Jd-m1h5YZoP5lA6znluSBrDvGrxG7BpJn51lwimB5s_26Cro950joDy5yvx2F8v/s1600/DSCN1727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5o-okN7jTvEaSy8pCTPlLcwKfhuj7aOGDoSP_Eb-nUdQQoIib2GN0NMwSZ3ga_LfkLCHP-VeDeJNB6Jd-m1h5YZoP5lA6znluSBrDvGrxG7BpJn51lwimB5s_26Cro950joDy5yvx2F8v/s400/DSCN1727.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cut the cheese! (Sorry, I had to). Cheese slices should be about 1/2 inch. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfoJE9oEvKHbWxSxLP6WZ8Y9jreJw2ESWkOUQM9PX9Ptt4N3SACn-RgAIJEhY4tIqQ9Swze7ZSJRetC1uiYz31g0C-HDlb15TWQdrhACAqIwMKsonFVjc22x5YuLSbJb67EDCNOP15spt/s1600/DSCN1731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfoJE9oEvKHbWxSxLP6WZ8Y9jreJw2ESWkOUQM9PX9Ptt4N3SACn-RgAIJEhY4tIqQ9Swze7ZSJRetC1uiYz31g0C-HDlb15TWQdrhACAqIwMKsonFVjc22x5YuLSbJb67EDCNOP15spt/s400/DSCN1731.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Stuff the cheese into the pepper halves, put on a baking sheet, and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbPE-i1F5Qlywtv6U2cA0lrKO48CvmYqDv9Y3Zve0OYmR79sLyUnqH9RG1MUyS6kNd_m8sWGXKuYA4EDLIwJGtGv6Y8nP5b9iDoCztckt9hfg753kInu2X5WE0Nal-O8EK4l8_YzcTlJ9/s1600/DSCN1732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbPE-i1F5Qlywtv6U2cA0lrKO48CvmYqDv9Y3Zve0OYmR79sLyUnqH9RG1MUyS6kNd_m8sWGXKuYA4EDLIwJGtGv6Y8nP5b9iDoCztckt9hfg753kInu2X5WE0Nal-O8EK4l8_YzcTlJ9/s400/DSCN1732.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzYmQycDDHl32PkGoYVCI7_XWYbZuFRBgPKEiyCkXh-BCsI7W3JqmHULXw_46cqfY5zll2ycn8QgQbFwZq10Bt4womGimMv0a8I5dbAMxu-Wt48KLfv0rDPs6XHlNi4OtLXfRFqTM6qzt/s1600/DSCN1733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzYmQycDDHl32PkGoYVCI7_XWYbZuFRBgPKEiyCkXh-BCsI7W3JqmHULXw_46cqfY5zll2ycn8QgQbFwZq10Bt4womGimMv0a8I5dbAMxu-Wt48KLfv0rDPs6XHlNi4OtLXfRFqTM6qzt/s400/DSCN1733.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pop them into the oven, 20 minutes at 350º.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGLVtlKzo2JuHiBacwrg56VlYkRfMiVlD2q9u4uXQIdggOXiR2bTRFBBzWn0bKznscUOmVJUZTM2fS_WSvAR7uZTtukE3QSXgtJ-gK1Mlso-IZQG8LJtUF5fIpmGAGofpJNBzHepw828D/s1600/DSCN1735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGLVtlKzo2JuHiBacwrg56VlYkRfMiVlD2q9u4uXQIdggOXiR2bTRFBBzWn0bKznscUOmVJUZTM2fS_WSvAR7uZTtukE3QSXgtJ-gK1Mlso-IZQG8LJtUF5fIpmGAGofpJNBzHepw828D/s400/DSCN1735.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ta-Dah! Let them cool slightly before serving, but remove from the pan while they are warm. Some of them may have tipped over, some cheese may have overflowed, that's fine. It's easier to get the cheese off the pan before it's cooled down too much. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmafXKWnDAdse0HUBfhfXMWuz1vzdc_O11ixZMTNWWmxASnDaOGj7aw__unLMWHxqajBxSwUAiMgMQwZLjiXvRjKuj3CDXfEIwgkfUk1203XwP3HVnvQlHnguwl1plWOp-lrVdIpoSZzvB/s1600/DSCN1736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmafXKWnDAdse0HUBfhfXMWuz1vzdc_O11ixZMTNWWmxASnDaOGj7aw__unLMWHxqajBxSwUAiMgMQwZLjiXvRjKuj3CDXfEIwgkfUk1203XwP3HVnvQlHnguwl1plWOp-lrVdIpoSZzvB/s400/DSCN1736.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Serve and enjoy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0