tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69354319864347094522024-03-13T06:23:53.140-05:00Life Begins at Forty SomethingWelcome to My World - Traveling the USA with my favorite guy and our cat, Chewie! Sooner Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08758620131205853298noreply@blogger.comBlogger295125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935431986434709452.post-84991796708275839242023-12-23T18:51:00.002-06:002024-01-13T14:01:43.246-06:00Christmas Decorations in a RV ? Yes!<span style="font-family: verdana;">The past few years while living in our motorhome, my Christmas decorations have been very basic. The first year I had a small tree, about 18" tall. I had that tree stored in my office at work and when I started cleaning out in preparation for retirement, I just moved the small tree to the RV. After that first Christmas I got rid of the artificial mini tree and just bought a few decorations for the mantle.<br />
<br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hneq8Ka6t2t4I8Zz-gTXB1214I_kYrmTCH0ix6ohHu9DwjEZor13dWIu0F7CMnry2_8K2zniKg9O3_OYEtDlP5e0hwpIthgtHP3ZLbRrNO_JzBl3dy_CyJ8Zomxl584GDp2Hy53O0sWmz3XndqwLiYM9DmGZscI4RJmSiyEkLNo7Y6D-tvlqPoval0p6/s1284/IMG_0622.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="1284" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hneq8Ka6t2t4I8Zz-gTXB1214I_kYrmTCH0ix6ohHu9DwjEZor13dWIu0F7CMnry2_8K2zniKg9O3_OYEtDlP5e0hwpIthgtHP3ZLbRrNO_JzBl3dy_CyJ8Zomxl584GDp2Hy53O0sWmz3XndqwLiYM9DmGZscI4RJmSiyEkLNo7Y6D-tvlqPoval0p6/w640-h580/IMG_0622.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The stocking was also from my office, I had made a few of these from an old quilt that was worn through so that it had holes in some areas.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I added a tree that was the appropriate size, easy to store and didn't drop needles. The less mess the better in our small space!</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_owDpHxz32jbcjxpspD-bPIpGyPPnB8Lt2vEXvxTwHJDDosNf_MXoGUIqeKZPLStiTeZVJfvCl9a0YLv53iSTfa1NWml4wQEdv0YRvYC_AjKNryDFo6c6mAKg30cH_u1mlwGOBrx9gWOKxfYSUTdqRiXMasuGjeVlfS9Bo6eAdxjxnirNtGj4dfxEYiYm/s4032/IMG_0620.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_owDpHxz32jbcjxpspD-bPIpGyPPnB8Lt2vEXvxTwHJDDosNf_MXoGUIqeKZPLStiTeZVJfvCl9a0YLv53iSTfa1NWml4wQEdv0YRvYC_AjKNryDFo6c6mAKg30cH_u1mlwGOBrx9gWOKxfYSUTdqRiXMasuGjeVlfS9Bo6eAdxjxnirNtGj4dfxEYiYm/w480-h640/IMG_0620.JPG" width="480" /></a></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: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After seeing some beautiful trees and decorations this year in normal size houses, I decided I really needed to add some lights to our motorhome Christmas decor. So I made a trip to Dollar Tree and bought an assortment of inexpensive items to make a garland for the mantle. Each item was $1.25 except for the lights. I decided to go with lights that plug in rather than battery powered lights because there is an outlet right at the end of the mantle on the fireplace. If there had not been power handy, I would have used a battery powered light strand.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirr2Y7oxY_KxF2GuYCrYxpp_dKKzkar6DTkJTKapeFDtansUR77czriB8d2WX3pWDirP96MXng-JhbLLpWLIz-ycLZVM7e4a0byiDl-7QS9W_adqeWqlaC3SLTnyY5ejUadZ5aT3hKOrQjIKx_UsnEs1bvoKOySTjqjd02n11RXN62qcWn-lxXMcQD4O_X/s1549/IMG_0637.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1549" data-original-width="1133" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirr2Y7oxY_KxF2GuYCrYxpp_dKKzkar6DTkJTKapeFDtansUR77czriB8d2WX3pWDirP96MXng-JhbLLpWLIz-ycLZVM7e4a0byiDl-7QS9W_adqeWqlaC3SLTnyY5ejUadZ5aT3hKOrQjIKx_UsnEs1bvoKOySTjqjd02n11RXN62qcWn-lxXMcQD4O_X/w234-h320/IMG_0637.jpg" width="234" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFG6pD8zlNhFcajz_mtSI07es9G_zDN3_Y2ogtR3Zx44bC4W9wP9QZYBluKwrLHSTIVdb_igJDdIn1IjMUL5w4WG8nWK-MJfLg_M0yfsGF70ESzpdzGx8XyABIiRvQ8vknDz90HN1_Hf15lD1XO_zvu7h2pUjOXAaDZdAPwAYx9EVjUGCuOtnPnDshao7t/s1600/IMG_0638.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wnp-duqLcp1b6-jg8oXkFf54MWrfB-13BCm7AzKQzaGNU4ngp8ChgBwVfQVkfm7dpoiM9SwAIgmiif081cbNvVhbhIDXQnADA7qIOYJsITDjbDrok_cawIs4vpyBQYam1-ENyJJ-4H7XzwleCA2odmI4PIBFkcfhk2Rju1PQIlG3-zx7plTWCNzSvJIK/s1600/IMG_0638.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wnp-duqLcp1b6-jg8oXkFf54MWrfB-13BCm7AzKQzaGNU4ngp8ChgBwVfQVkfm7dpoiM9SwAIgmiif081cbNvVhbhIDXQnADA7qIOYJsITDjbDrok_cawIs4vpyBQYam1-ENyJJ-4H7XzwleCA2odmI4PIBFkcfhk2Rju1PQIlG3-zx7plTWCNzSvJIK/w258-h320/IMG_0638.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gZMOVtOQA3JvsS0LPFOnlPWIy42X4r-1f_fgzb-Ba5eiB6K3Oy1kyktfwIpKrOTAcMJ4XAfQdXcwT21oRiMwhsDj27Q1-x75EnbMqfOU6u_OGNHz4UHW7lGT-Hky-i5RuGsCdpNQRyYH5hqm-PE-Uw6DEd4kIYPCxWVNywcJSTaKtmIgaa4clJ_kN7H-/s1574/IMG_0639.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1574" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gZMOVtOQA3JvsS0LPFOnlPWIy42X4r-1f_fgzb-Ba5eiB6K3Oy1kyktfwIpKrOTAcMJ4XAfQdXcwT21oRiMwhsDj27Q1-x75EnbMqfOU6u_OGNHz4UHW7lGT-Hky-i5RuGsCdpNQRyYH5hqm-PE-Uw6DEd4kIYPCxWVNywcJSTaKtmIgaa4clJ_kN7H-/w261-h320/IMG_0639.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWABjDR-KsCaAsnDK1sveoh0r8xggoUIhmi3VMokq-Ho5F3wWkj3CLpXdpGgm1YUJ-ykdT0UH6_HCY7ohJgpQTVGdis8bXLubwkcT73gneqsnm2-xorzKN_1Ne9OWYgRU_XjgzIRs_qvzY_2OtVuNmpmQDeX8DOvlG_L8zvH4ewZR1SZGWJG_RxADMAvh/s1284/IMG_0640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1242" data-original-width="1284" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWABjDR-KsCaAsnDK1sveoh0r8xggoUIhmi3VMokq-Ho5F3wWkj3CLpXdpGgm1YUJ-ykdT0UH6_HCY7ohJgpQTVGdis8bXLubwkcT73gneqsnm2-xorzKN_1Ne9OWYgRU_XjgzIRs_qvzY_2OtVuNmpmQDeX8DOvlG_L8zvH4ewZR1SZGWJG_RxADMAvh/w320-h310/IMG_0640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aap5uE5tZCq_vURLZQy-8CGjx-ZLrGP-bizJ693FcnHKD2RGz9sit3lZwGdn-WS4hh86WCKyXD2SLkV5RYSVAnCjvo50ekwlMg1gSPUnTWgKPpzCBOHDTKP_shbuvDrdTbmX8QcgrlWrRSi-gYyrLgIKvcjsB0LOCfydf3iwVFgkjhEX32EPgX4htCl0/s2384/IMG_0641.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2384" data-original-width="1496" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aap5uE5tZCq_vURLZQy-8CGjx-ZLrGP-bizJ693FcnHKD2RGz9sit3lZwGdn-WS4hh86WCKyXD2SLkV5RYSVAnCjvo50ekwlMg1gSPUnTWgKPpzCBOHDTKP_shbuvDrdTbmX8QcgrlWrRSi-gYyrLgIKvcjsB0LOCfydf3iwVFgkjhEX32EPgX4htCl0/w202-h320/IMG_0641.jpg" width="202" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I folded the garland to the appropriate length and weaved the lights around it and then added the picks and ornaments for accent. I was highly pleased with the end result! I attached some plastic hooks to the mantle with double sided tape to hold the garland and wooden word blocks in place. We made two moves after the installation and the decorations stayed in place during our moves. The Christmas tree is just sitting on the table so I stored while moving.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0nDd6ZJ27GBw7ZHIti3_oU5aqEmPkuIvQKPGLSXZnWPU6n9u79clWbwN7E6NX3FNz38BGZA68ATZ2lhlhcZWpCyX97Sp3bO34Fx_OiLRvkmJYgl_s-6o58gpu5LuMcrhHE3gxSj1UYh2FJf4fzc5G5H-xrxaUi_rTkIXbvpkwU_OfJHW7dPSoh5PI837/s4032/IMG_0617.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0nDd6ZJ27GBw7ZHIti3_oU5aqEmPkuIvQKPGLSXZnWPU6n9u79clWbwN7E6NX3FNz38BGZA68ATZ2lhlhcZWpCyX97Sp3bO34Fx_OiLRvkmJYgl_s-6o58gpu5LuMcrhHE3gxSj1UYh2FJf4fzc5G5H-xrxaUi_rTkIXbvpkwU_OfJHW7dPSoh5PI837/w640-h480/IMG_0617.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWpHRo30eYimG7vzSfS3PqhByi0Evfap3R5fLSQAGN3VPxW6BS5JMBWGggLKdp3DGgKt1J-RZs0yCW9Lquq-7LK0oMF_GE3KPQwgBUkv0PJsUZivljzwIKOJVfBRxv-9k-YrUsNVyn1K4KBZYqDwz3jneud76ph6n65iL8my28xTP8ew7tX30QggB1Au_/s4032/IMG_0618.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWpHRo30eYimG7vzSfS3PqhByi0Evfap3R5fLSQAGN3VPxW6BS5JMBWGggLKdp3DGgKt1J-RZs0yCW9Lquq-7LK0oMF_GE3KPQwgBUkv0PJsUZivljzwIKOJVfBRxv-9k-YrUsNVyn1K4KBZYqDwz3jneud76ph6n65iL8my28xTP8ew7tX30QggB1Au_/w480-h640/IMG_0618.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><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/AVvXsEiII9cDxLm-vViWmvX7FC82DgQTD_fNH1HYzaROkYpgq2eIPU6c_8qNQIyh-4Av7k91br_Xlbv1dZxkEDAMDwz6_sAo-r9p_QOMBf8vtlUPfJ3YStFn0J7zqoeHvO_P3kmber8wwhMuB9SgNig_OZYoCxL0qrlVCD7bO4ALrAahK067GteAbE8LTepVL5Ng/s4032/IMG_0619.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiII9cDxLm-vViWmvX7FC82DgQTD_fNH1HYzaROkYpgq2eIPU6c_8qNQIyh-4Av7k91br_Xlbv1dZxkEDAMDwz6_sAo-r9p_QOMBf8vtlUPfJ3YStFn0J7zqoeHvO_P3kmber8wwhMuB9SgNig_OZYoCxL0qrlVCD7bO4ALrAahK067GteAbE8LTepVL5Ng/w480-h640/IMG_0619.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have greatly enjoyed the lights and the decorations this Christmas season and will probably leave them in place for a week into January, at that point we will be moving further south for the remainder of winter and I'll store them until next Christmas season.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Merry Christmas to all!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>Much Love & Laughter,</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Laura</i></span></div><br /><div><br /></div>Sooner Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08758620131205853298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935431986434709452.post-28329296712186006912023-11-22T11:49:00.001-06:002023-11-22T11:49:28.549-06:00Three years living full time in a motorhome!<div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This week we marked the 3 year anniversary of moving into BB, the land yacht, and living the full time RV life. It’s been an adventure for sure! At times it hasn’t been what we expected and sometimes it’s far exceeded our expectations. </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I thought when I retired and started traveling that I would write about our travels on this blog and I really dropped the ball and have been incredibly lazy about sharing this amazing adventure. I am planning to change going forward and post about some of the beautiful places we have visited, our RV life and the campgrounds and various places we have parked and made home for a night or a month in the past few years as well as share our travels going forward.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBhSkb3eO3gxtSD1uaOSRxF2Fd0Jh1l1PbKvvboX6Asnbt6dCClx9QUm3T-73VaU6_nfZYbBpUPulxHUYzkiUtK5f7d4ZGyfirSPj4AjTXMdZJkGAx1nsnjtBoCrk2jXkAMqxCMW1EMGUyY3VkDiF5Ola-74w40ivfwTefqvJtm6xhCX35-TnAyi8aTiZ/s4032/IMG_1141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBhSkb3eO3gxtSD1uaOSRxF2Fd0Jh1l1PbKvvboX6Asnbt6dCClx9QUm3T-73VaU6_nfZYbBpUPulxHUYzkiUtK5f7d4ZGyfirSPj4AjTXMdZJkGAx1nsnjtBoCrk2jXkAMqxCMW1EMGUyY3VkDiF5Ola-74w40ivfwTefqvJtm6xhCX35-TnAyi8aTiZ/w480-h640/IMG_1141.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I thought we would be closer to the end of this lifestyle by now, but unforeseen circumstances have changed our ‘very loose’ plans. So currently, we think we will be living this way for a while longer and that's okay because we still love seeing new places and visiting people across the country.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIbSzCLuvIfcKrgDtLw8Jw2Snr3hm0ovDbS-fTWuvDJnf4DXE7vAuW6vRiNA75szmdQ_Vy0PLM_pp0numQXwDlFjl-oJ1hMvA5ihL3OGoUH1VjYSqy1wOHWiU6RH5CYZcxuzokoAKGsn3fl5Pk6MTbEGf86hqohu_V8TIIToZHn700PW-abo8APdSeAL8/s4032/IMG_3580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIbSzCLuvIfcKrgDtLw8Jw2Snr3hm0ovDbS-fTWuvDJnf4DXE7vAuW6vRiNA75szmdQ_Vy0PLM_pp0numQXwDlFjl-oJ1hMvA5ihL3OGoUH1VjYSqy1wOHWiU6RH5CYZcxuzokoAKGsn3fl5Pk6MTbEGf86hqohu_V8TIIToZHn700PW-abo8APdSeAL8/w640-h480/IMG_3580.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We’ve traveled about 25,000 miles in the <a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="-1"></a>RV and an additional 38,000 in the Jeep. </span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We have visited 31 states. </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAty2v-qr7Zj6GDvCgMN-Gq5TB0223pXQEsgUAr-xwApZFncNtpewbT85sL26oZebBSjQe8t-y_uGOEzE7hJYAs3puqhIwPnew7jXNKRGSXWKKcVDWnS_kycmacShySbKjeEgbvWMTZJYzp-fpCEFAjhUxDhtA5qvTMOvZH-OVjZNXcuHtXLD6sPGgwYOD/s1797/IMG_0577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1282" data-original-width="1797" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAty2v-qr7Zj6GDvCgMN-Gq5TB0223pXQEsgUAr-xwApZFncNtpewbT85sL26oZebBSjQe8t-y_uGOEzE7hJYAs3puqhIwPnew7jXNKRGSXWKKcVDWnS_kycmacShySbKjeEgbvWMTZJYzp-fpCEFAjhUxDhtA5qvTMOvZH-OVjZNXcuHtXLD6sPGgwYOD/w640-h456/IMG_0577.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We seen the smiling faces of around 120 friends and family members, many of whom we had not seen for years, some it had been decades! </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We’ve seen countless beautiful places that left us even more in awe of God’s creation. </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15pCkDur6us9kA08ZarWblPjJRAjvk0OUTiVyQ2A2YdsoXlSiyv_lwt-D8uSTVaP8vPQCc_UD6UE6WAoplaZf8kJII8b1lYhaJN8QqgIlXGwxzVLywTPHcllFrV3dEe5TbXo_tlddLeidu6RCQudJxnF9G-s0To5OnGrwGMqC4M8JITZ0MLcaXALQRqaM/s4032/IMG_E7180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15pCkDur6us9kA08ZarWblPjJRAjvk0OUTiVyQ2A2YdsoXlSiyv_lwt-D8uSTVaP8vPQCc_UD6UE6WAoplaZf8kJII8b1lYhaJN8QqgIlXGwxzVLywTPHcllFrV3dEe5TbXo_tlddLeidu6RCQudJxnF9G-s0To5OnGrwGMqC4M8JITZ0MLcaXALQRqaM/w640-h480/IMG_E7180.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve made mistakes, we’ve learned, we’ve sacrificed, we’ve been very blessed and best of all we’ve been together every mile. </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpb6M1uOYBEYUxDR1fM_q0kcVApET3Ql2I-pD4IlbAt9VOZIhwDxd2yTb37PivKALUYF4aUgGawh-p3cnD1kir9rof2489GCTrHVZzkvFO7lNjVB1qnGFOZAXAmWL1oKrxipTkl-FLioi_jIgEcEIZb_ApsDZljE-2hZ81A0RktCTuvRaBIUOYE__a-JrA/s3234/IMG_E8029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2537" data-original-width="3234" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpb6M1uOYBEYUxDR1fM_q0kcVApET3Ql2I-pD4IlbAt9VOZIhwDxd2yTb37PivKALUYF4aUgGawh-p3cnD1kir9rof2489GCTrHVZzkvFO7lNjVB1qnGFOZAXAmWL1oKrxipTkl-FLioi_jIgEcEIZb_ApsDZljE-2hZ81A0RktCTuvRaBIUOYE__a-JrA/w640-h502/IMG_E8029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Living in a small space for years is not something I would recommend for everyone, but it has given us the opportunity to travel and reconnect with people we love....</span></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> and I would recommend that for everyone. </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuXyl9R59KDjsT8zEVwTYzd92hVdvjgcLX49UWH8xIl-HIuffG2gIUAxRuiuwwS5NowoEwrNKeaPlcdOG_kjTn4lnd5Q6PEQrSRu6y9R9mpOr9pm7vOAOwDTlLNgfC_SZSMydMTW9MCYioldMp4XDYZRuyWdgAOS78C6uAZj69BbgXq52Jth3Y0uhtG2g-/s4032/IMG_8143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuXyl9R59KDjsT8zEVwTYzd92hVdvjgcLX49UWH8xIl-HIuffG2gIUAxRuiuwwS5NowoEwrNKeaPlcdOG_kjTn4lnd5Q6PEQrSRu6y9R9mpOr9pm7vOAOwDTlLNgfC_SZSMydMTW9MCYioldMp4XDYZRuyWdgAOS78C6uAZj69BbgXq52Jth3Y0uhtG2g-/w640-h480/IMG_8143.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Have a blessed Thanksgiving. I hope you get to spend the holiday with family and friends, whether that 'family' was chosen for you or you picked them yourself!</span></div></div>
<br />
<span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-large;"><em>Much Love & Laughter,</em></span><div><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-large;"><em>Laura</em></span><br />
<br />#teamsandersoktx<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div><center><br />
</center>
</div>
</div>Sooner Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08758620131205853298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935431986434709452.post-49770138817884030722021-11-29T15:11:00.000-06:002021-11-29T15:11:15.564-06:00Going coastal in our motorhome<span style="font-family: verdana;">Happy Holidays! The first 11 months of retirement life have been busy! </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">We've spent 19 weeks traveling so far in 2021 and spent many weeks with family in Oklahoma and Texas. We have visited so many beautiful places! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">We stayed overnight in 18 states and briefly visited (or drove through) 5 more!</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Along the way, we have visited with 91 family members and friends that we didn't see on a regular basis the last couple years! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's really been a fantastic experience living in our motorhome this past year. I'm amazed that it's already been a year since we sold our home and moved into our rolling home.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here are a few of the gulf and Atlantic beach areas we visited this year. As you think of gifts for Christmas this year, consider giving the gift of your time or an experience with those you love. Nothing beats travel for making memories, even if it's a local trip to a park or ice cream shop!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcTPbopApg0/YaU6vwUTOnI/AAAAAAABJ0w/a0F_7zPpTMQsPgqdfscZ0Ve1DWlR1BDTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_0950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcTPbopApg0/YaU6vwUTOnI/AAAAAAABJ0w/a0F_7zPpTMQsPgqdfscZ0Ve1DWlR1BDTQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0950.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Fairhope, Alabama</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><div><center><br /></center><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QcqyL5dzyUs/YaVBCMQdicI/AAAAAAABJ1o/bHSZmGu74bUnlF3L3XVr-klQPYx9TzzpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QcqyL5dzyUs/YaVBCMQdicI/AAAAAAABJ1o/bHSZmGu74bUnlF3L3XVr-klQPYx9TzzpQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1037.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Gulf State Park, Alabama</span></td></tr></tbody></table><center><br /></center></div></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wnew5kYySSY/YaU8GkEnKjI/AAAAAAABJ1U/fvwLGagtrTcJDXW6C77RZWlDVqPXgbjRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_1516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wnew5kYySSY/YaU8GkEnKjI/AAAAAAABJ1U/fvwLGagtrTcJDXW6C77RZWlDVqPXgbjRQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1516.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">St Augustine, Florida</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fYUDVkBf7kQ/YaU7zzBpDzI/AAAAAAABJ1E/z6IxNDbT2AwhylQLRTgJwRugYhb7YU1JQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_1354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fYUDVkBf7kQ/YaU7zzBpDzI/AAAAAAABJ1E/z6IxNDbT2AwhylQLRTgJwRugYhb7YU1JQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1354.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Fort Myers, Florida</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fa9mnTnKtSY/YaVAY6cL2CI/AAAAAAABJ1g/eBAAxQtmb0QBqKxvDIVuhLMqHVIEGbOQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_1431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fa9mnTnKtSY/YaVAY6cL2CI/AAAAAAABJ1g/eBAAxQtmb0QBqKxvDIVuhLMqHVIEGbOQwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1431.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Much Love & Laughter,</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Laura</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>#teamsandersoktx</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><br /></div>Sooner Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08758620131205853298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935431986434709452.post-82079202799829797912021-09-09T16:04:00.003-05:002021-11-29T14:17:19.543-06:00Transitioning to Full Time Living in a Motorhome During a Pandemic<div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Our adventure together began in the late 70s, when we met in a small Oklahoma town. We married a short time after we met, and the rest, as they say, is history. For several decades we lived a happy life filled with hard work, kids, multiple homes, pets, travel, etc. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Life was full and happy with what I consider the BIG 3...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Faith, Family and Friends.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">We have worked side by side on many projects in our homes and even an occasional auto repair. Along we way we jokingly started referring to ourselves as <u><b>Team Sanders</b></u>. We have happily considered ourselves a winning team.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I believe it was about 5 or 6 years ago when SuperDave suggested that upon retirement we should sell our home and travel the country in a recreational vehicle. I love to travel and visit new places, so this sounded fun to me, but what really sold me was that we have friends and family all over the USA I wanted to visit. So our retirement plan was born. We would travel full time for a few years, then buy another home near our kids and grandkids. Now that we've started, our plan is no longer defined by a timeline, we will live mobile until we are ready to stop.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_YmRD3YPjiE/YTpybuMEMUI/AAAAAAABI1s/1m35pznCYy8QpUr8mi33pMLQqvPy9locgCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/IMG_2774.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_YmRD3YPjiE/YTpybuMEMUI/AAAAAAABI1s/1m35pznCYy8QpUr8mi33pMLQqvPy9locgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_2774.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Home base in north Texas!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">We had no idea during all the years of planning, dreaming, researching and anticipating that a pandemic would cause sales of RVs to explode.....the same year we planned to purchase a RV! By 2020 we had a very specific idea of the type, layout and size RV we wanted to purchase. We planned to buy a used RV to save money. As a result of the pandemic, inventory was scarce, so we bought a new RV that was already on order at the dealer. It was initially due for delivery 4-5 weeks after we moved out of our home. Due to manufacturing and transportation delays, we moved into the RV 10 WEEKS after we moved into a hotel. (and the day after our daughter's wedding!)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">During the pandemic, I worked from 'home' over 9 months. First in my house, then in a hotel room and finally in the RV before retiring in January 2021! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rrA5LXbD_GY/YTpyyf9zVDI/AAAAAAABI14/vpfG17ZWU3sRnwau7AieN9_MCa-8CAmrwCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/IMG_2779.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rrA5LXbD_GY/YTpyyf9zVDI/AAAAAAABI14/vpfG17ZWU3sRnwau7AieN9_MCa-8CAmrwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_2779.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My office in our home</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eYGgW1Vw1tA/YTpyyZ1B0MI/AAAAAAABI18/e83kjQXq_XANOW17fMlYlXyGegZ-ZeOrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/IMG_2773.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eYGgW1Vw1tA/YTpyyZ1B0MI/AAAAAAABI18/e83kjQXq_XANOW17fMlYlXyGegZ-ZeOrgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_2773.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My office in our hotel home!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dOE_6ot7YE4/YTpyycl4YXI/AAAAAAABI10/yPbNhtwlQdwPpP4OBLRP_hnkRRmcfK_mQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/IMG_2781.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dOE_6ot7YE4/YTpyycl4YXI/AAAAAAABI10/yPbNhtwlQdwPpP4OBLRP_hnkRRmcfK_mQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_2781.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My office in our motorhome!</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">During the transition, we gave away, sold and donated a mountain of household and personal items. I carefully selected items I REALLY wanted to keep to make our next <i>stationary </i>house into <i>our </i>home. These items filled one storage unit to the ceiling and overflowed into a second smaller unit. Storage is not inexpensive, but I do believe it would cost more to replace all these household goods than store them. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Also, I don't want NEW stuff in my next house. I want MY stuff.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I may regret this decision in a few years, but some days I already miss my stuff. Summer had me longing to decorate with seashells and fall has me fighting the urge to buy some pumpkins. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Some days, I miss the space. Mostly we just miss having a place big enough for all our kids to come over and visit at the same time! We also miss our neighbors. But reunions with family and friends are just that much sweeter. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">During the process of planning, we created a parking spot for BB (our 36' Fleetwood Bounder) in Texas at our daughter's home and in Oklahoma on my brother's ranch. Now we have two home base locations where we can park as long as needed, no reservations necessary. This also allows us to visit family without rushing or staying in someone's house and has provided us a place to stay while we helped care for my aging parents this year.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">We never miss the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful sunset and I look forward to sharing more beautiful travel pictures with you all!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtLE-VgP0HE/YS6jPC26SbI/AAAAAAABHtY/oQpwIrtzu-Mfm_9DaPabrakOeEGfDjj0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_0133.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtLE-VgP0HE/YS6jPC26SbI/AAAAAAABHtY/oQpwIrtzu-Mfm_9DaPabrakOeEGfDjj0QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0133.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Northeast Oklahoma Sunset</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">Much love & Laughter,</span></i></div><div><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-large;"><em><br /></em></span></div><div><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-large;"><em>Laura</em></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><i><span style="font-size: large;">#teamsandersoktx</span><br /></i><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span><div><center><br />
</center>
</div>
</div></div>Sooner Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08758620131205853298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935431986434709452.post-39525178068926395802021-08-31T14:56:00.003-05:002021-08-31T14:56:47.413-05:00A change of pace<span style="font-family: arial;">I'm back! Hopefully I will do a little better with my writing going forward. Sometimes life is really busy and writing about it just requires discipline. As I get older I find even if I spend a <i>rare </i>day doing very little, I'm still tired a the end of the day!</span><div><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Things have changed a lot since I stopped blogging regularly over 2 years ago. The biggest changes occurred in 2020. I know that 2020 held big changes for all of us, but we were expecting big changes..... even before the pandemic caused everyone's world to go sideways and upside down.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We carefully considered whether we should go forward with our plans or put them on hold. In the end we decided <u><i>life is short</i></u> and we moved ahead with our plans.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We finished up some home improvement projects.....and last summer we listed our house for sale. It sold the first day! Below are pictures of a couple of my favorite renovations. Team Sanders really knocked it out of the park on that wet bar makeover (most of the work was done by SuperDave). I was really sad to sell my house after redecorating the dining room, wet bar and swimming pool, but we were moving full speed ahead!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DVFj0ajHru0/YGjUPLG8jYI/AAAAAAABDeM/i3RqZAEq5Y8Ha8vQzTF18Eb_Sn0cOe5rQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/8%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1430" data-original-width="2048" height="446" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DVFj0ajHru0/YGjUPLG8jYI/AAAAAAABDeM/i3RqZAEq5Y8Ha8vQzTF18Eb_Sn0cOe5rQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h446/8%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qxihm_EEkMo/YGjURxg2t5I/AAAAAAABDeQ/Xw1-WMp8n-k2q7ntYmm4QEplb2lnLfdiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qxihm_EEkMo/YGjURxg2t5I/AAAAAAABDeQ/Xw1-WMp8n-k2q7ntYmm4QEplb2lnLfdiwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/6.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KP7J3Nfa-s0/YS6HfKVvb8I/AAAAAAABHqk/Z4oO_0Jk3i0BmWL91q5kBPBSerGe3RWhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_2373.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1315" data-original-width="2048" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KP7J3Nfa-s0/YS6HfKVvb8I/AAAAAAABHqk/Z4oO_0Jk3i0BmWL91q5kBPBSerGe3RWhQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h410/DSC_2373.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: arial;">It was time to move on toward our retirement goal. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Where were we moving on to? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Well, initially we ended up in a hotel for 70 nights. Not the ideal place to be in a pandemic, but we survived. I'll explain that in a later blog.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">After the hotel, we moved into a slightly smaller home. So a new chapter and a big adventure has begun. In January, we retired and I look forward to sharing our adventures with you now that we are living full time in a 36' motorhome.</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSONPiTUBOI/YGjYIljlBEI/AAAAAAABDe8/xKhJ5kf0ovgPjen_HhZ0fNhc_o01qdtRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1211/IMG_0026%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1211" height="356" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSONPiTUBOI/YGjYIljlBEI/AAAAAAABDe8/xKhJ5kf0ovgPjen_HhZ0fNhc_o01qdtRQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h356/IMG_0026%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our Fleetwood Bounder 35K, BB and Natasha, the Jeep Wrangler</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>
<br />
<span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-large;"><em>Laura</em></span><br />#teamsandersoktx<br /><div>
<br />
<center> <a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a> <center><br /></center>
</center>
</div>
</div></div><br /><br /></div>Sooner Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08758620131205853298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935431986434709452.post-74750598602752102762021-04-03T15:15:00.005-05:002021-04-03T15:26:41.142-05:00Whatever happened to that bathroom project?It's been a while since I posted on this blog......TWO YEARS to be honest, so maybe more than a while. If you were anxiously waiting for me to share photos of our finished bathroom remodel (haha), I apologize.<div><br /></div><div>I absolutely loved blogging when I started several years ago. It was fun to share our projects and my thoughts in general. But along the way life got really busy. Probably the biggest change, other than just growing older, was that I got a new position at work and it was a LOT.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a LOT to learn, a lot to keep organized, and most of the time it was a lot of fun. Learning is generally fun for me, my plan is never stop learning. But it also left me with no desire to get on my computer at the end of the work day. The home improvement projects continued and we did projects in almost every room of our house. It was quite beautiful when we sold it last year!</div><div><br /></div><div>Since I left you hanging in the middle of the guest bathroom remodel two years ago, I feel obligated to show you a picture of the finished bathroom.</div><div><br /></div><div>A few months ago we retired and now I have nothing but time.....right? No, I've been constantly busy! But, I plan to resume blogging and we have had a lot of changes since I dropped out of sight!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the final result of the guest bath remodel. It was really lovely.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qfHAnSMPw88/YGjHF3dQVbI/AAAAAAABDcc/--aLszC7-LQlthPEnMPBI5nfqCpmNzY4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/23%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qfHAnSMPw88/YGjHF3dQVbI/AAAAAAABDcc/--aLszC7-LQlthPEnMPBI5nfqCpmNzY4gCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/23%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>It may take me a while to get my page cleaned up and get back of the swing of things, but I'm looking forward to sharing about our new lifestyle.</div><div><br /></div><div>Less projects, more travel ahead.</div><div>
<br />
<span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-large;"><em>Laura</em></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/lauraleas/"><img alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" height="26" src="https://a248.e.akamai.net/passets.pinterest.com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="PJH Designs" height="100" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii556/pjhale52/TTbadge.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://jaysonandashley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" height="100" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/buttonashtor200.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Primitive and Proper" height="100" src="http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h323/theboldabode/PP-Button-Frame.gif" /></a> <a href="http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae217/brambleberrycottage/800px-The_clock_tower_of_St_Mori-1.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em;" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" height="100" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img height="100" src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" /></a> <a href="http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="100" src="http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff438/kammyskorner/TtoTKammyKorner.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tq19w89B_3M/T2FLECh_MbI/AAAAAAAAJkM/_X2mHxdmtyc/s1600/THT%2BParty%2BButton-2.2.jpg" /></a> <img height="100" src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/DebbieNewbiePartyButton2.png" /> <a href="http://cedarhillranch.blogspot.com/"><img border="”0”" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-khBouSKh5s0/UFzLfP6XA_I/AAAAAAAAXSk/y-erbWjMBTA/w286-h294-p-k/cowgirl%2Bup%2Bbutton%2B2012.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YW52hcrOLTM/TLHquNnxegI/AAAAAAAAB3s/V9A46r_deRY/s1600/frenchframegfairy005b.jpg" /></a>
<center><br /><div div="div" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-color: initial; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-style: none; border-top: medium none; border-width: medium;"><br /></div>
</center>
<br /><br />
</center>
</div>
</div>Sooner Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08758620131205853298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935431986434709452.post-60418496189351347402019-04-09T11:58:00.005-05:002019-04-09T11:58:59.428-05:00DIY Don't? Replacing a bathtub and tile<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We recently started a new DIY project at our house. I say recently, although it seems like it was a long time ago. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We're maybe half way....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">maybe more than half way? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">finished, and we're at that point that a lot of DIYers reach in a project.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We're at the "What were we thinking?" point....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The "We should have paid someone else a lot of money to do this!" point....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know in my heart that when it's finished, it will look amazing and we will have saved a lot of cash, but right now we're seriously thinking it might have been worth the extra expense to hire someone to put in this tile. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I haven't totaled up the expense in a while, but I know three things.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even a DIY project, if done correctly, is expensive.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It would have cost even more if someone else had provided the labor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A DIY project always takes longer than you anticipated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xFfiRVPylFg/XKzK5N7YqhI/AAAAAAAAKv8/k5CFZAWQtZ41qj3vsGs8fBqs09NDWdG-ACLcBGAs/s1600/bath1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xFfiRVPylFg/XKzK5N7YqhI/AAAAAAAAKv8/k5CFZAWQtZ41qj3vsGs8fBqs09NDWdG-ACLcBGAs/s640/bath1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This is the before shot - <br />for some reason in the 80s people thought beige tubs and <br />beige tile were a good choice.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cJB_bphUPyw/XKzK37eCnJI/AAAAAAAAKvo/xUHf5UiVdAkwrc5jAUlceZ_WSveDWgBGwCLcBGAs/s1600/Bath2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cJB_bphUPyw/XKzK37eCnJI/AAAAAAAAKvo/xUHf5UiVdAkwrc5jAUlceZ_WSveDWgBGwCLcBGAs/s640/Bath2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">March 2nd - end of day one - demo is the easy part</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cLzDLxsBQAU/XKzK3xcC6SI/AAAAAAAAKvw/OcgnnhhPxpEmyc61ig20jlzNvk6PHiCUQCLcBGAs/s1600/Bath3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cLzDLxsBQAU/XKzK3xcC6SI/AAAAAAAAKvw/OcgnnhhPxpEmyc61ig20jlzNvk6PHiCUQCLcBGAs/s640/Bath3.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We hauled off a truck load of debris!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a0ofKeNcSeA/XKzK5u--f9I/AAAAAAAAKwA/H5N4IHVQQQs_IR7bYDUiiNqupjBhpoL5ACLcBGAs/s1600/bath4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a0ofKeNcSeA/XKzK5u--f9I/AAAAAAAAKwA/H5N4IHVQQQs_IR7bYDUiiNqupjBhpoL5ACLcBGAs/s640/bath4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The good stuff - this is a shot of the new tile and the old tile. <br />I think it's a bit of an improvement!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iYck50kphm0/XKzK38KFR3I/AAAAAAAAKvs/RLwYrxZt9WkLfjg9c4H7R25PGNvHE1wqQCLcBGAs/s1600/Bath5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1307" data-original-width="1265" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iYck50kphm0/XKzK38KFR3I/AAAAAAAAKvs/RLwYrxZt9WkLfjg9c4H7R25PGNvHE1wqQCLcBGAs/s640/Bath5.jpg" width="617" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The new tub, proof that all tubs should be white.<br />SuperDave faced a bit of a challenge getting the tub level.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-86geaORtXjE/XKzK4WFIAiI/AAAAAAAAKv0/MOoMIqxCMgwX5IAJpl_-mlCbrohnjuQzACLcBGAs/s1600/Bath6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-86geaORtXjE/XKzK4WFIAiI/AAAAAAAAKv0/MOoMIqxCMgwX5IAJpl_-mlCbrohnjuQzACLcBGAs/s640/Bath6.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I skipped the wall board before sealer photo, <br />although necessary it wasn't fun to look at.<br />Here's the installed wallboard covered with pink stuff that dries red.<br />This is pretty much my only contribution since demo day.</span><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GT4V-KUeRtM/XKzK4mMjZdI/AAAAAAAAKv4/UIMLipaRklgeAeY_MwBXifpVDKwB4wOJQCLcBGAs/s1600/Bath7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GT4V-KUeRtM/XKzK4mMjZdI/AAAAAAAAKv4/UIMLipaRklgeAeY_MwBXifpVDKwB4wOJQCLcBGAs/s640/Bath7.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">April 6 - substantial progress on the tile work.</span></span><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Honestly, I'm glad I looked up those dates, because right now, it feels like it's been longer. Our house is dusty, our muscles are sore and our patience is wearing thin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But as any good DIYer will tell you, it's going to be worth it - when it's finished.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SuperDave is a bit of a perfectionist (as am I ) and he's not 100% happy with this project at this point. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I told him a couple days ago, "You'll be happy with the way it looks when it's finished (after a few weeks). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He responded, "I'll be happy when it's finished."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It will be great....you'll see. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Much Love & Laughter,</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>Laura</em></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<center>
<a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a><br />
</center>
</div>
Sooner Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08758620131205853298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935431986434709452.post-11789959948040685542018-01-04T09:43:00.000-06:002018-01-04T09:43:16.435-06:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some mornings getting out of bed and to work is a real
struggle and by the time I make it across town I feel like I’ve put in a day of
work already. This morning was one of
those “challenging” mornings. The alarm clock
woke me at 6 am and I had not gotten enough rest to satisfy my body, so just
getting out of bed was difficult. Even after I sat in bed for 30 minutes,
checked my e-mail, watched the news and had the cup of coffee my hero husband brought me before he left for work, I just wanted to go back to
sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On top of not feeling well, my eyes were bothering me and
even after finding the offending piece of fuzz in my left eye and removing it,
my eyes still felt irritated and I just wanted to close them for a couple more
hours. Our older cat also had a rough
morning and spit up in <strike>a couple</strike> THREE places in my bedroom. I narrowly missed stepping into the first one
I discovered, and nearly lost that cup of coffee cleaning up the mess. When I made the bed I knocked back a fingernail
on the headboard and before the pain subsided stepped squarely into another puddle
of cat vomit with my bare foot. I also had a few extra chores that needed done
before heading for work so I ran short on time to get myself painted and curled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With no time left to fix my hair I pulled a small section
back from my face and left for working feeling old and tired (and feeling like
everyone I encountered could see that on my face). As I started to pull out I placed my hands on
the steering wheel and realized I had not put on my rings. I feel odd all day without my wedding ring. I figured another minute to run back into the house would not matter at
this point, so I went back inside and grabbed my rings and finally headed down
the road.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then my morning got very interesting……<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first thing I noticed was a beautiful pattern of clouds
across the blue eastern sky lit up by the bright morning sun. I wish I could share a picture, but I was
driving, so you’ll just have to use your imagination.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second thing that happened was that before I made it to
the first traffic light, a song started playing that moved me to the point of becoming teary eyed. The power of music is absolutely
incredible. And miraculously, God always seems to know what song I need on this type of
day. This morning the song I needed was Breathe by
Jonny Diaz. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lBrMYzY1fOQ/Wk5IwZGVA3I/AAAAAAAAHLk/CXNwQ1tzauo9kgdtlB9866ehZ0Q4SBrXgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lBrMYzY1fOQ/Wk5IwZGVA3I/AAAAAAAAHLk/CXNwQ1tzauo9kgdtlB9866ehZ0Q4SBrXgCLcBGAs/s400/blog1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you’re not familiar it goes like this….</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alarm
clock screaming bare feet hit the floor<br />
It’s off to the races everybody out the door<br />
I’m feeling like I’m falling behind, it’s a crazy life<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ninety
miles an hour going fast as I can<br />
Trying to push a little harder trying to get the upper hand<br />
So much to do in so little time, it’s a crazy life<br />
It’s ready, set, go it’s another wild day<br />
When the stress is on the rise in my heart I feel you say just<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Breathe,
just breathe<br />
Come and rest at my feet<br />
And be, just be<br />
</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chaos calls but
all you really need<br />
Is to just breathe<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Third
cup of joe just to get me through the day<br />
Want to make the most of time but I feel it slip away<br />
I wonder if there’s something more to this crazy life<br />
I’m busy, busy, busy, and it’s no surprise to see<br />
That I only have time for me, me, me<br />
There’s gotta be something more to this crazy life<br />
I’m hanging on tight to another wild day<br />
When it starts to fall apart in my heart I hear you say just<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in;">
<i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in;">
<i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Breathe, just breathe<br />
Come and rest at my feet<br />
And be, just be<br />
<b>Chaos calls but all you really need<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Is
to take it in, fill your lungs<br />
The peace of God that overcomes<br />
Just breathe (just breathe)<br />
</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">let your weary
spirit rest<br /><br />
</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lay down what’s good and find what’s best<br />
Just breathe (just breathe)<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just
breathe, just breathe<br />
Come and rest at my feet<br />
And be, just be<br /><br />
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chaos calls but all you really need<br />
Is to just breathe<br />
Just breathe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Songwriters:
Jonathan Lindley Smith / Jonny Diaz / Tony Wood<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Breathe
lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Essential Music Publishing, Capitol
Christian Music Group</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">nd by the time the song ended, that what I was doing. Just breathing,
filling my lungs with the “peace of God that overcomes” and I realized it was
time to apply Suzy Welch’s 10/10/10 Rule.
What will matter in 10 minutes, 10 months, 10 years? </span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.suzywelch101010.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.suzywelch101010.com/</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being 15 minutes late to work this morning wasn’t even going
to matter TODAY! My boss/job is very
flexible, if I’m running late I just make it up or lunch or stay a few minutes
later at the end of the day. <i> It’s not a
big deal to anyone except me. </i><b>So I let it go.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The third thing that happened was that as I got my bags out of my car in the parking lot at work I noticed beautiful frost patterns sparkling in
the sun on the vehicle next to me (it was a company vehicle that hadn’t been
driven this morning). It was covered with intricate,
beautiful icy patterns that were different on every window. I considered snapping a picture, but I was in
a bit of a rush to get inside because</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">a) I</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">was 15 minutes late; and</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">b)</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">It
was 28 degrees outside</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But
I took the time to notice and appreciate the icy artwork because I was
breathing a little slower and deeper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fourth thing stopped me in my tracks. As I approached the building a large heron
flew across in front of me and landed on the roof. This was worth stopping for a picture – even if
it was 28 degrees. I put down my purse,
my tote bag and my coffee and took out my phone. I snapped a couple pictures as I stepped
slowly closer trying to get a better picture. Then I went back for my things
and kept going toward
the door and the warmth waiting inside.
I didn’t get a closer picture because as I approached, this beautiful BIG
bird spread it wings and flew down to the ground behind the building.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OJ3SVh3cgvI/Wk5I0eo7YuI/AAAAAAAAHLo/46BlsX8OdXQWQooY4Z8SjmeMDb5rjlzCwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1169" data-original-width="1600" height="465" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OJ3SVh3cgvI/Wk5I0eo7YuI/AAAAAAAAHLo/46BlsX8OdXQWQooY4Z8SjmeMDb5rjlzCwCLcBGAs/s640/blog2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But my day had turned a corner as I realized that if I hadn’t
had some bumps this morning that slowed me down, I would have missed some
beauty along the way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Was I still tired? Yes, I was. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did I want to go back home and sleep until lunch time? Yes, I did.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But my spirit was filled with a restful peace and I was inspired
to share my morning. The feeling of
chaos was gone and I knew I could make it through the day, one deep breath at a time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>Laura</em></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<center>
<br /><center>
</center>
<br /><br />
</center>
</div>
Sooner Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08758620131205853298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935431986434709452.post-27359796098185841352016-01-06T15:43:00.000-06:002016-01-06T15:43:57.254-06:00New Boot For 2016<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy January! I hope your December, Christmas and New Year's was wonderful. Mine went by in a flash! A blink of the eye! We had a wonderful holiday season from Thanksgiving right through to the New Year. And now it's 2016. And I'm wondering how I'm going to get a whole house full of Christmas decorations back in the attic. With a lot of help, that's the only way it's going to happen this month.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I went
shopping for a boot yesterday. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not a PAIR of boots. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ONE boot. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At an orthopedic doctor’s office. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
don’t recommend it. I paid $200 for one
boot. It’s not pretty. It’s not stylish. It’s incredibly heavy and it doesn’t match
the boot I’m wearing on my other foot. And it's a <i>sandal </i>- in January!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xF_pWisYA0I/Vo2Gk860VXI/AAAAAAAAGGo/OBqzXycTaZ0/s1600/boot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xF_pWisYA0I/Vo2Gk860VXI/AAAAAAAAGGo/OBqzXycTaZ0/s400/boot.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As 50
approached a few years ago I was excited. I was really looking forward to my
50s. The decade of me! It would be just SuperDave
and me, living it up in our empty nest. We would have peace, calm and visits
(frequently) from our adult offspring and grandkids. After raising kids since 1981 I was ready!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But guess what? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Living it up is HARD over 50. I’m sleepy at 9:00 pm on
Friday. After a 40 hour work week, I
just want to sleep 10 hours Friday, Saturday <i>and</i> Sunday night. And then
there are the body parts that <i>betray </i>you.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SuperDave, even
though he is super, has had surgery on both shoulders in the past two
years. And before that he had knees and
a foot worked on. He should be almost
bionic at this point. We are starting to consider giving up on DIY
projects. Reason # 1 - We’re both
miserable for a week due to sore muscles (best case) after a DIY project. When did we get older?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Four years ago </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.4px;">I was diagnosed</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.4px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">with tendinitis in my left foot. I’ve been wearing various braces, arch
supports and supportive shoes for four years. I've given up heels and mostly given up walking for exercise. But I delayed going back to the doctor because I could live with it and we had other medical expenses. In the
meantime, I became mostly a couch potato and gained 20+ pounds. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enter the
FitBit. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">At the end of summer, I
decided I wanted a FitBit for my birthday to track my activity and sleep.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Becoming conscious of my <i>inactivity</i>, which was exacerbated by my efficiency, made me realize I needed to
get moving.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I started walking.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I don’t care if it hurts!” I said, “I refuse
to gain another pound!” I said. And losing 10 or 20 pounds would be an awesome
bonus, if that happens. Not easy with hypothyroidism (another story for another
day).</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In August, I
started increasing my activity. In
October, I got more serious, walking for exercise most days, pushing myself toward that 10,000 step mark. By December, my foot hurt more than ever, in
new places, in a different place every day, with every shoe, with every step. A day standing in my kitchen preparing food and cleaning up after family celebrations left me hurting for days. </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So, as I promised SuperDave in 2016 I went to see a doctor. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve got
a condition called Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD). Basically the tendon that supports my arch is
NOT supporting my arch and my foot is rolling inward. My back and hips now hurt worse than my foot. This is no fun.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The good news is that the doctor does not believe the tendon is damaged. Just “dysfunctional”. More good news - <i>hopefully </i>wearing my expensive new boot is <u>only</u> for four weeks. Then I’ll be back to a lace up brace
again. <i>IF </i>all goes well. And we didn’t talk about after
that. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now I’m dreaming of a day,
hopefully by the time the leaves turn green and the weather is nice for walking. I look forward to a nice long walk again. A walk with no pain. And I'm hoping there are days ahead when I don't need to wear a brace to go there.</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Love and laughter,</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>Laura</em></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="PJH Designs" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii556/pjhale52/TTbadge.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://jaysonandashley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/buttonashtor200.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Primitive and Proper" src="http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h323/theboldabode/PP-Button-Frame.gif" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae217/brambleberrycottage/800px-The_clock_tower_of_St_Mori-1.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em;" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/"><img alt="southern hospitality" src="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_17/custom/images/shbutton.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff438/kammyskorner/TtoTKammyKorner.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tq19w89B_3M/T2FLECh_MbI/AAAAAAAAJkM/_X2mHxdmtyc/s1600/THT%2BParty%2BButton-2.2.jpg" /></a> <img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/DebbieNewbiePartyButton2.png" height="100" /> <a href="http://cedarhillranch.blogspot.com/"><img border="”0”" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-khBouSKh5s0/UFzLfP6XA_I/AAAAAAAAXSk/y-erbWjMBTA/w286-h294-p-k/cowgirl%2Bup%2Bbutton%2B2012.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.restoreinteriors.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/restoreinteriors/RESTOREDITBLUE.png#34; alt=" height="100" restoreinteriors="restoreinteriors" /></a> <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YW52hcrOLTM/TLHquNnxegI/AAAAAAAAB3s/V9A46r_deRY/s1600/frenchframegfairy005b.jpg" /></a>
<center>
<a href="http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com/">http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com</a><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/">http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/">http://www.the36thavenue.com</a></div>
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/">http://betweennapsontheporch.net</a><br /><a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/">http://southernhospitalityblog.com</a><br /><div div="div" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net</div>
</center>
<br /><a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" /></a><br />
</center>
</div>
Sooner Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08758620131205853298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935431986434709452.post-51890153686387732462015-12-21T13:03:00.004-06:002015-12-21T13:03:47.054-06:00Blessed Christmas Tradition<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every family that celebrates Christmas has special Christmas traditions. I wish I could
remember when my favorite family tradition began. This tradition didn’t start with the family I formed with SuperDave when we got married –
it started with my parents and my siblings.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Christmas
Eve when I was a child, we sat beside (or on) my Dad as he read from the Bible.
When I read these words, I always hear
them in my Dad’s voice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Luke
2 </span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">(KJV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><sup><span style="font-size: 9pt;">1</span></sup><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And it came to pass in
those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the
world should be taxed.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><sup><span style="font-size: 9pt;">2 </span></sup><span style="font-size: 12pt;">(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius
was governor of Syria.)<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><sup><span style="font-size: 9pt;">3 </span></sup><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And all went to be taxed, every one into his own
city.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><sup><span style="font-size: 9pt;">4 </span></sup><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the
city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called
Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><sup><span style="font-size: 9pt;">5 </span></sup><span style="font-size: 12pt;">To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being
great with child.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><sup><span style="font-size: 9pt;">6 </span></sup><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And so it was, that, while they were there, the
days were accomplished that she should be delivered.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><sup><span style="font-size: 9pt;">7 </span></sup><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And she brought forth her firstborn son, and
wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was
no room for them in the inn.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><sup><span style="font-size: 9pt;">8 </span></sup><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And there were in the same country shepherds
abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><sup><span style="font-size: 9pt;">9 </span></sup><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,
and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><sup><span style="font-size: 9pt;">10 </span></sup><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for,
behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><sup><span style="font-size: 9pt;">11 </span></sup><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For unto you is born this day in the city of
David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><sup><span style="font-size: 9pt;">12 </span></sup><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find
the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><sup><span style="font-size: 9pt;">13 </span></sup><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And suddenly there was with the angel a
multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><sup><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>14 </i></span></span></sup><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,
good will toward men.</i></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18pt;">And only then, after we put Jesus first, did we receive our gifts
from our parents and each other.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I grew up and left home, we continued this tradition with our
family, with my husband reading the Christmas story to our children. </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18pt;">But the tradition still continues with my parents, their children,
grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The children sitting on the floor and in
Dad’s lap change through the years, and the numbers keep growing.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18pt;">It’s usually not Christmas Eve these days, it’s
whenever our family can get the greatest number of people in one place, this
year it was a Saturday afternoon. And it looks something like this.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4i-LAg2OM5Q/VnhLfc5d2oI/AAAAAAAAGGQ/Pu6WHFJUDSg/s1600/Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4i-LAg2OM5Q/VnhLfc5d2oI/AAAAAAAAGGQ/Pu6WHFJUDSg/s640/Christmas.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18pt;">In the days before photography was digital and inexpensive, my mom
didn’t take a lot of photos, so I’m pretty sure there are not photos of us as
children listening to my Dad read from the Bible at Christmas.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18pt;">But the picture is there, in my mind, in my
heart, because I don’t remember ever having Christmas without this tradition.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18pt;">And now we have photos through the years, of our children, and our
children’s children, sitting on and near my Dad while we listen to the words
from Luke, “and it came to pass…..” And I realize that I have already received the only gift I wanted, one more year with my Dad reading the Christmas story to our family.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18pt;">I guess it isn’t any wonder that even Linus can bring a tear to my
eye at Christmas.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q0XmJOpwLnM/VnhLnYktUAI/AAAAAAAAGGc/lj-xX9LqX-0/s1600/Christmas%2BPeanuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q0XmJOpwLnM/VnhLnYktUAI/AAAAAAAAGGc/lj-xX9LqX-0/s640/Christmas%2BPeanuts.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Christmas Blessings,</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>Laura</em></span><br />
<br />
<div>
<center>
<br />
</center>
</div>
Sooner Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08758620131205853298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935431986434709452.post-31066798492463666772015-11-17T11:30:00.000-06:002015-11-17T22:55:13.984-06:00Fall Storms<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I think summer is finally leaving north Texas to make room
for some cooler weather. After a long
hot summer that ran right through most of October, we are seeing rain, gray
skies and cooler temperatures. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Of
course, last night we had a tornado warning, so that’s more like spring than
fall, but it happens here in tornado alley.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zMfljEph5Sk/VkthJP_7cwI/AAAAAAAAGF8/S5LNliXoqnI/s1600/IMG_0666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zMfljEph5Sk/VkthJP_7cwI/AAAAAAAAGF8/S5LNliXoqnI/s640/IMG_0666.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tornado warnings go a little different in our house these
days than they did 30+ years ago. With all the modern technology available to us to track the storms we don't get excited unless there is a visual confirmation of a tornado on the ground or we hear a loud roar.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As a child I grew up running for cover every time
there was a thunderstorm. My parents
were inside a building that was destroyed by a tornado two years before I was born. They huddled together as the tornado tore
through their small town destroying homes and businesses and taking lives. Fortunately, they were mostly unharmed, but
my mother had what I would politely describe as a “healthy respect” for severe weather
that was passed along to me. However,
those years of sleeping in clothes with my shoes beside the bed expecting the
worst developed in me as an outright fear of storms. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As a young adult I couldn’t sleep if there was a storm, now it goes like
this at our house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">10:36 p.m. I fall asleep knowing there is a risk of severe weather
and possible tornadoes before the 6 a.m. alarm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3:50 a.m. Weather alert goes off on phone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">SuperDave: “What is it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wiping sleep from my eyes I try to focus on the tiny
blindingly bright screen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Me: “It’s a tornado warning.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">SuperDave: “The sirens aren’t going off.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Me: “It’s not quite here yet, they will.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">SuperDave: “Turn on the TV.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I drag myself upright and we watch as they report the
circulation is SW of us. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That means trouble. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then the sirens go. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I’m still in bed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I get up for the bathroom, my husband is dressed wearing shoes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Me: “You got dressed?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">SuperDave: “If a tornado is coming I want my clothes on.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He
locks the cats in the laundry room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I get a robe and walk back to the TV in the bedroom.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They say the circulation is directly SW of us, it’s headed straight
for us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I put my shoes, my phone, a glass of water (I was thirsty) and my
purse in our 'hidey hole' aka IRNWLL (inside room, no windows, lowest level). Normally, I put my camera in there, but today
I just don’t believe it and anyway, my phone has a camera if the worst happens and I need to document damage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My husband is in the backyard looking at the sky.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I’m watching the TV.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4:35 a.m. The area of circulation passes, the warning is
cancelled for us and we go back to bed and quickly fall asleep listening to the
sound of the rain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yes, I react a little
differently these days to bad weather.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5:58 a.m. Alarm #1 goes off, SuperDave gets up for work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">6:10 a.m. My alarm goes off, I hit the snooze.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's going to be a long day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nRXGJ5pJfCc/VktgyW-p53I/AAAAAAAAGF0/iTBg2URyMDw/s1600/Fit%2BBit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nRXGJ5pJfCc/VktgyW-p53I/AAAAAAAAGF0/iTBg2URyMDw/s400/Fit%2BBit.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Happy Fall Y'all,</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>Laura</em></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/lauraleas/"><img alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" height="26" src="https://a248.e.akamai.net/passets.pinterest.com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="PJH Designs" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii556/pjhale52/TTbadge.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://jaysonandashley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/buttonashtor200.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Primitive and Proper" src="http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h323/theboldabode/PP-Button-Frame.gif" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae217/brambleberrycottage/800px-The_clock_tower_of_St_Mori-1.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em;" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/"><img alt="southern hospitality" src="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_17/custom/images/shbutton.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff438/kammyskorner/TtoTKammyKorner.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tq19w89B_3M/T2FLECh_MbI/AAAAAAAAJkM/_X2mHxdmtyc/s1600/THT%2BParty%2BButton-2.2.jpg" /></a> <img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/DebbieNewbiePartyButton2.png" height="100" /> <a href="http://cedarhillranch.blogspot.com/"><img border="”0”" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-khBouSKh5s0/UFzLfP6XA_I/AAAAAAAAXSk/y-erbWjMBTA/w286-h294-p-k/cowgirl%2Bup%2Bbutton%2B2012.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.restoreinteriors.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/restoreinteriors/RESTOREDITBLUE.png#34; alt=" height="100" restoreinteriors="restoreinteriors" /></a> <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YW52hcrOLTM/TLHquNnxegI/AAAAAAAAB3s/V9A46r_deRY/s1600/frenchframegfairy005b.jpg" /></a>
<center>
<a href="http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com/">http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com</a><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/">http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/">http://www.the36thavenue.com</a></div>
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/">http://betweennapsontheporch.net</a><br /><a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/">http://southernhospitalityblog.com</a><br /><div div="div" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net</div>
</center>
<br /><a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" /></a><br />
</center>
</div>
Sooner Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08758620131205853298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935431986434709452.post-87956672883278458802015-08-26T14:39:00.001-05:002015-08-26T14:48:26.891-05:00Chalk Paint and Gel Stain - Updating Kitchen Cabinets<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been working hard this summer and have spent almost no time on my blog. A couple months ago, I walked into my kitchen and the cabinets on
one side looked like this....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FUyzYHnzyaM/Vc5YFp4KglI/AAAAAAAAGCc/IZqWn8JOgX4/s1600/IMG_0210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FUyzYHnzyaM/Vc5YFp4KglI/AAAAAAAAGCc/IZqWn8JOgX4/s640/IMG_0210.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And the other side looked like this</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> (apologies for the picture quality, the sun was shining in the window)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaeDrnwhN04/Vd4RX6RShDI/AAAAAAAAGEs/bYrZXrL2Nfw/s1600/IMG_0345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaeDrnwhN04/Vd4RX6RShDI/AAAAAAAAGEs/bYrZXrL2Nfw/s640/IMG_0345.JPG" width="378" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The post from earlier this year when we
started this project is posted <a href="http://lifebeginsatfortysomething.blogspot.com/2015/03/kitchen-cabinets-paint-and-glass-doors.html">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But back to July. I had gotten a snazzy manicure with a July 4<sup>th</sup>
theme and it looked like this<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c1Weq2zxl5c/Vc5YHCKwMxI/AAAAAAAAGC4/XYhzoS_aGSc/s1600/IMG_4243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c1Weq2zxl5c/Vc5YHCKwMxI/AAAAAAAAGC4/XYhzoS_aGSc/s320/IMG_4243.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few weeks later my kitchen looked like this<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pCYil9YlQ2Q/Vc5bFI7IV_I/AAAAAAAAGDs/Uwzxj7dg2xc/s1600/IMG_0207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pCYil9YlQ2Q/Vc5bFI7IV_I/AAAAAAAAGDs/Uwzxj7dg2xc/s640/IMG_0207.JPG" width="358" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And my nails looked like this<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SBfj-N4avRE/Vc5bFC0eUaI/AAAAAAAAGDw/UacrTPgaa9Y/s1600/IMG_0209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SBfj-N4avRE/Vc5bFC0eUaI/AAAAAAAAGDw/UacrTPgaa9Y/s640/IMG_0209.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, I was a little rougher on my fingernails during July than in a
normal month.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We started the kitchen cabinet project <strike>a few</strike> several months ago
starting with the upper cabinet on one side that only had two doors. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lGORsUZ4Lj8/Vc5YHlpJd2I/AAAAAAAAGC8/e61LCR-A7ow/s1600/before%2Bn%2Bafter%2Bcabinet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lGORsUZ4Lj8/Vc5YHlpJd2I/AAAAAAAAGC8/e61LCR-A7ow/s640/before%2Bn%2Bafter%2Bcabinet.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I figured depending on how it went we could
stop with glass only in those two doors and paint the others leaving the solid
panel. But the first two turned out so
well we were determined to convert the six doors on the other side to glass also. The glass I chose is called Everglades and it is beautiful!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iAhG0-jgrd0/Vd4SQ0rk5oI/AAAAAAAAGE4/5moo2M9DhPo/s1600/Evergalde-52455898ee529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="556" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iAhG0-jgrd0/Vd4SQ0rk5oI/AAAAAAAAGE4/5moo2M9DhPo/s640/Evergalde-52455898ee529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I would love to tell you how to cut the center panels out
but I did not get involved in that process.
I will tell you that it took me a few years to get SuperDave on board
with this project because he was hesitant to start sawing off pieces of our kitchen cabinets. But after watching some online
videos and doing some research he decided to go for it and this project turned out
great!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's the bar area, it was the biggest flat area so I thought it would be easy since it had no doors. Not necessarily. The big opened spaces had to be worked quickly so it all flowed together, it took me quite a while.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We replaced the small quarter-round trim at the floor with the same wider trim we used on the island when I painted it black. You can see that project <a href="http://lifebeginsatfortysomething.blogspot.com/2012/09/i-have-my-very-own-island.html">here</a>.</span></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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-io9ZgrA1tTY/Vc5YCADNWkI/AAAAAAAAGDY/7-uMNEYcCQU/s1600/IMG_0140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-io9ZgrA1tTY/Vc5YCADNWkI/AAAAAAAAGDY/7-uMNEYcCQU/s640/IMG_0140.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First step for the upper cabinets was removing the doors....</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c2cncbNNpyw/Vc5YCVc3TKI/AAAAAAAAGDQ/5dYmgk4ryl0/s1600/IMG_0139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c2cncbNNpyw/Vc5YCVc3TKI/AAAAAAAAGDQ/5dYmgk4ryl0/s640/IMG_0139.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and numbering them so we could put them back in the same spot. This just makes life easier. I cleaned the cabinets and doors with a deglosser to be sure the paint would adhere well. We also sanded them lightly just to knock off the shine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UDB5hW-ufNM/Vc5YCV6nBzI/AAAAAAAAGDU/EMRqqLrkqgo/s1600/IMG_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UDB5hW-ufNM/Vc5YCV6nBzI/AAAAAAAAGDU/EMRqqLrkqgo/s640/IMG_0143.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I spent a very hot Sunday afternoon and evening in the garage painting doors and <i>chilling in the pool</i> between coats of paint. We usually don't do projects in the summer months!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The products I used were from Lowe's, amazon.com and a local shop that sells Maison Blanche products. There was also a pile of old socks from SuperDave's sock drawer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/---jhMadUQyg/Vd4TSh_QY8I/AAAAAAAAGFE/dv2N64W0LMQ/s1600/IMG_0351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/---jhMadUQyg/Vd4TSh_QY8I/AAAAAAAAGFE/dv2N64W0LMQ/s640/IMG_0351.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aef_GLiyIMQ/Vc5YC5jd85I/AAAAAAAAGDI/8-sUBFg-6rI/s1600/IMG_0159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aef_GLiyIMQ/Vc5YC5jd85I/AAAAAAAAGDI/8-sUBFg-6rI/s640/IMG_0159.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We brought the doors inside for a day before waxing them with clear and dark waxes. Then I dropped them off at a glass shop and got to work on the base cabinets. It took 3 or 4 coats of paint plus the waxes. It's not hard work, but it takes some time. (tip: wipe that dark wax off <i>immediately</i>!)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_W6uJ6JyGYU/Vc5YDKsATYI/AAAAAAAAGB4/uV8tWSF62dE/s1600/IMG_0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_W6uJ6JyGYU/Vc5YDKsATYI/AAAAAAAAGB4/uV8tWSF62dE/s640/IMG_0193.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I used General Finishes Gel Stain in Java on the lower cabinets. I have gotten my method tweaked a little and this side turned out even better than the other side. They look a little different, but I notice it the most.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In an effort to be speedy I left dishes in the cabinet. This was not a problem on the top with the white paint, but getting little spots of splattered stain off glass proved to be very difficult and I would not do this again! I could have easily covered everything with old towels and still left the stuff in the cabinets.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Live and learn.....</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qSR3EyjBjL8/Vc5YDRDxsiI/AAAAAAAAGB8/O_Zx7-cLgmI/s1600/IMG_0195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qSR3EyjBjL8/Vc5YDRDxsiI/AAAAAAAAGB8/O_Zx7-cLgmI/s640/IMG_0195.JPG" width="530" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The upper cabinet boxes got the same cleaning, paint and wax treatment as the doors so when when the glass was installed SuperDave put them back on for me. We're a good team! The change is drastic, but honestly I've pictured them like this in my mind for years, so it doesn't even surprise me when I walk into the kitchen. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4nxHutG_NyY/Vc5YDsPn6eI/AAAAAAAAGCI/VXjswIHVBSI/s1600/IMG_0200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4nxHutG_NyY/Vc5YDsPn6eI/AAAAAAAAGCI/VXjswIHVBSI/s640/IMG_0200.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think the glass doors dramatically improve and update the kitchen. The only major cost was the glass, we paid about $50 per door to buy the glass and have it installed. I probably spent $150 or so on all the other materials.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMw6qEuOrKg/Vc5YEG-fZnI/AAAAAAAAGC0/_y7ZplK96-w/s1600/IMG_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMw6qEuOrKg/Vc5YEG-fZnI/AAAAAAAAGC0/_y7ZplK96-w/s640/IMG_0203.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm loving this warm rich brown instead of the golden oak that had discolored with age.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yUbZb32huFc/Vc5YEaJ80uI/AAAAAAAAGCQ/f3D26TJnoWM/s1600/IMG_0204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="584" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yUbZb32huFc/Vc5YEaJ80uI/AAAAAAAAGCQ/f3D26TJnoWM/s640/IMG_0204.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The outside looked so pretty that I had to line the shelves and back of the cabinets with a decorative paper to make them look pretty too. It not only looks amazing but it's easy to clean!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HV_Dm8Zlf4A/Vc5YGJySKWI/AAAAAAAAGCk/OVpPgPIjMCw/s1600/IMG_0212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HV_Dm8Zlf4A/Vc5YGJySKWI/AAAAAAAAGCk/OVpPgPIjMCw/s640/IMG_0212.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My dishes are mostly white with a bit of color here and there.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-orVRz4RKArs/Vc5YGr-YGpI/AAAAAAAAGCw/DA6vHbz25vY/s1600/IMG_0213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-orVRz4RKArs/Vc5YGr-YGpI/AAAAAAAAGCw/DA6vHbz25vY/s640/IMG_0213.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AbQh97ZRErw/Vc5hP4VVhpI/AAAAAAAAGEM/N_OHhxFBeWs/s1600/IMG_0250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AbQh97ZRErw/Vc5hP4VVhpI/AAAAAAAAGEM/N_OHhxFBeWs/s640/IMG_0250.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And my nails looked fine after another trip to the salon, it was overdue anyway.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-auwtWGoZYbg/Vc5hEnfw5QI/AAAAAAAAGEA/t6s_sN0dfrY/s1600/Nails.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-auwtWGoZYbg/Vc5hEnfw5QI/AAAAAAAAGEA/t6s_sN0dfrY/s640/Nails.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now all I have left to refinish in the kitchen/breakfast area is a built in china cabinet. It's pretty big and I haven't decided which color I want to paint it, but I'm leaning toward painting it black. Overall the black paint was the easiest to apply. I felt like painting all the cabinets black would have made the room too dark since the granite counters are black plus I love natural wood grain, so that's why I went with the white/stained combo.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also have the laundry room cabinets to refinish, but I don't even want to think about doing that this year!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Much love and laughter,</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>Laura</em></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/lauraleas/"><img alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" height="26" src="https://a248.e.akamai.net/passets.pinterest.com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="PJH Designs" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii556/pjhale52/TTbadge.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://jaysonandashley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/buttonashtor200.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Primitive and Proper" src="http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h323/theboldabode/PP-Button-Frame.gif" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae217/brambleberrycottage/800px-The_clock_tower_of_St_Mori-1.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em;" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/"><img alt="southern hospitality" src="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_17/custom/images/shbutton.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff438/kammyskorner/TtoTKammyKorner.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tq19w89B_3M/T2FLECh_MbI/AAAAAAAAJkM/_X2mHxdmtyc/s1600/THT%2BParty%2BButton-2.2.jpg" /></a> <img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/DebbieNewbiePartyButton2.png" height="100" /> <a href="http://cedarhillranch.blogspot.com/"><img border="”0”" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-khBouSKh5s0/UFzLfP6XA_I/AAAAAAAAXSk/y-erbWjMBTA/w286-h294-p-k/cowgirl%2Bup%2Bbutton%2B2012.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.restoreinteriors.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/restoreinteriors/RESTOREDITBLUE.png#34; alt=" height="100" restoreinteriors="restoreinteriors" /></a> <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YW52hcrOLTM/TLHquNnxegI/AAAAAAAAB3s/V9A46r_deRY/s1600/frenchframegfairy005b.jpg" /></a>
<center>
<a href="http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com/">http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com</a><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/">http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/">http://www.the36thavenue.com</a></div>
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/">http://betweennapsontheporch.net</a><br /><a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/">http://southernhospitalityblog.com</a><br /><div div="div" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net</div>
</center>
<br /><a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" /></a><br />
</center>
</div>
Sooner Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08758620131205853298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935431986434709452.post-51353962029723518052015-08-14T14:48:00.004-05:002015-08-14T14:48:40.133-05:00Summer Nights <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Summer is in full swing in north Texas with all its
highs and lows. And those highs are over
100 with heat indexes of 108 or more.
We’re in a HEAT ADVISORY down here in the south people! When August rolls around there are only two
places to be, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">#1 Inside an air conditioned building OR</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">#2 <i>In </i>the pool and we
are doing plenty of both.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I do love summer. I
love the days and <i>nights </i>floating in the pool sipping on a cold drink listening to summer tunes. I love relaxing with a book in the shade on the patio. <i>And </i>I love
the beach theme I use to decorate the house through our longest season - it's called Hot and Steamy. Fortunately, my beach themed décor is my
favorite so I don't mind leaving it out from May to October.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I93SpeufmRc/Vc4_mB7hfyI/AAAAAAAAGAw/v6eenVjbjsE/s1600/IMG_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I93SpeufmRc/Vc4_mB7hfyI/AAAAAAAAGAw/v6eenVjbjsE/s640/IMG_0063.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I first started decorating throughout the house for each season, I discovered I already owned <i>a lot</i> of beach/summer items to use for decorating. But I will confess, I’ve picked up a few extra
things the last couple of years. This
year I had some time to kill before an appointment and fortunately, or
unfortunately, the store next door was Pier 1.
So I went inside, <i>out of the heat</i>, and as usual found many beautiful
summer items. I gave in to temptation and purchased some salad plates that reminded me of the beach. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One set with Sandpipers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8rxRWXaQrM/Vc4_jWurqcI/AAAAAAAAGAs/NWAGNln4KSU/s1600/IMG_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8rxRWXaQrM/Vc4_jWurqcI/AAAAAAAAGAs/NWAGNln4KSU/s640/IMG_0055.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And one set with Parrots<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JyfyyIRcnUY/Vc4_iTgvGPI/AAAAAAAAGA8/AGGjAep5F-8/s1600/IMG_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JyfyyIRcnUY/Vc4_iTgvGPI/AAAAAAAAGA8/AGGjAep5F-8/s640/IMG_0053.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I set my tables in the NOT formal dining room</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVJqTN7lq5M/Vc4_jP22K7I/AAAAAAAAGA0/xvw2r6jc9_g/s1600/IMG_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVJqTN7lq5M/Vc4_jP22K7I/AAAAAAAAGA0/xvw2r6jc9_g/s640/IMG_0054.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And the
breakfast room </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j2WVXQeeR2w/Vc4_ia-7gPI/AAAAAAAAGBA/JSHwZcKW3Mk/s1600/IMG_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j2WVXQeeR2w/Vc4_ia-7gPI/AAAAAAAAGBA/JSHwZcKW3Mk/s640/IMG_0051.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">with summer place settings, seashells and starfish. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They have stayed that way for the
past few months unless we needed the tables to sit down with guests. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With just the two of us in our empty nest, we normally don’t
sit at a table to eat. We like to sit back and relax after work (and on weekends) with our feet
up. So in the winter we eat by the fire and in the summer we eat a lot of meals
on our patio…in the shade…with a couple of fans. When we don't feel like braving the heat we may eat sitting in the love seat recliner with a movie on the big screen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we are outside and it’s really hot (June to September) we take a dip in the pool
frequently. Nothing keeps you cool
outside in August better than wearing a wet swimsuit and sitting in front of a
fan. When we dry out and warm up, we
just get back in the water for a while.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lPAWClBA_0g/Vc5CBxVbwWI/AAAAAAAAGBM/2ZdL0mfPqnQ/s1600/IMG_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lPAWClBA_0g/Vc5CBxVbwWI/AAAAAAAAGBM/2ZdL0mfPqnQ/s640/IMG_0057.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But when we are can't stand the heat we
head inside and relax under the air conditioning and dream of the beach until the summer ends.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PfhY3zuNp4/Vc4_klv_hmI/AAAAAAAAGAQ/8Mlsb5OTENo/s1600/IMG_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PfhY3zuNp4/Vc4_klv_hmI/AAAAAAAAGAQ/8Mlsb5OTENo/s640/IMG_0059.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b3iIh_5Mkvg/Vc4_lIM6U0I/AAAAAAAAGAY/ExxnczLpXUo/s1600/IMG_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b3iIh_5Mkvg/Vc4_lIM6U0I/AAAAAAAAGAY/ExxnczLpXUo/s640/IMG_0060.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_geulk1E3BA/Vc4_lcJSz6I/AAAAAAAAGA4/yxFPa2CPsNQ/s1600/IMG_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_geulk1E3BA/Vc4_lcJSz6I/AAAAAAAAGA4/yxFPa2CPsNQ/s640/IMG_0061.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Keep Calm and Stay Cool,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>Laura</em></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/lauraleas/"><img alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" height="26" src="https://a248.e.akamai.net/passets.pinterest.com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="PJH Designs" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii556/pjhale52/TTbadge.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://jaysonandashley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/buttonashtor200.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Primitive and Proper" src="http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h323/theboldabode/PP-Button-Frame.gif" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae217/brambleberrycottage/800px-The_clock_tower_of_St_Mori-1.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em;" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/"><img alt="southern hospitality" src="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_17/custom/images/shbutton.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff438/kammyskorner/TtoTKammyKorner.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tq19w89B_3M/T2FLECh_MbI/AAAAAAAAJkM/_X2mHxdmtyc/s1600/THT%2BParty%2BButton-2.2.jpg" /></a> <img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/DebbieNewbiePartyButton2.png" height="100" /> <a href="http://cedarhillranch.blogspot.com/"><img border="”0”" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-khBouSKh5s0/UFzLfP6XA_I/AAAAAAAAXSk/y-erbWjMBTA/w286-h294-p-k/cowgirl%2Bup%2Bbutton%2B2012.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.restoreinteriors.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/restoreinteriors/RESTOREDITBLUE.png#34; alt=" height="100" restoreinteriors="restoreinteriors" /></a> <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YW52hcrOLTM/TLHquNnxegI/AAAAAAAAB3s/V9A46r_deRY/s1600/frenchframegfairy005b.jpg" /></a>
<center>
<a href="http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com/">http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com</a><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/">http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/">http://www.the36thavenue.com</a></div>
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/">http://betweennapsontheporch.net</a><br /><a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/">http://southernhospitalityblog.com</a><br /><div div="div" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net</div>
</center>
<br /><a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" /></a><br />
</center>
</div>
Sooner Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08758620131205853298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935431986434709452.post-54592372281401784952015-05-14T12:18:00.003-05:002015-05-14T12:18:47.268-05:00New Vanity Tops!!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm embarrassed to admit the upstairs bathroom renovation is <i>STILL </i>two steps away from being completed. TWO TINY STEPS. And the hold up is me. All that remains is finishing the paint on the cabinets and giving all the doors a good scrubbing. 3 bathroom doors, 2 bedroom doors and 2 closet doors. Okay, two not so <i>tiny </i>steps.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But....I have been seriously lacking in energy the last few weeks. I rarely get anything done when I get home from work except dinner and getting ready for bed. So that only leaves weekends. And my weekends have been busy with other things, more important things, like kids and grandkids, so the project is still very slowing crawling forward.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, I am sure you understand that a project rarely consists of just one thing, so the bathroom is connected to two bedrooms, both of which need cleaned up and stuff given away, one needed painted (got that done), curtains replaced (done), etc. So it's really sort of a 3 room project. Plus a new sink for the hall bath downstairs, the count is up to <i>four</i> rooms. I'm feeling better about it taking so long. I'm glad I didn't include painting the downstairs guest room as part of this project!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One part of the bathroom project was completed pretty easily though. It only required two trips home from work, plus removal and re-installation of the plumbing on 3 sinks. (plus a trip to Home Depot for a cut off valve)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One the first trip home they measured for the new vanity tops and I picked colors. While we were ordering for the upstairs bathroom we we wanted to go ahead with a new top for the hall bathroom downstairs also. So I had two counters and sinks to choose. They sent me quotes and I ordered (and paid for) the new ones. With SuperDave traveling for work quite a bit recently we decided to pay for removal of the old vanity tops instead of doing that ourselves. This was nice because we didn't have to deal with removal. But he did the plumbing and I did the paint touch up, teamwork!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's a before picture of the upstairs vanity, I didn't take one BEFORE we started working in there, hence the mess.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bpzYXernYdU/VVO3li_5l7I/AAAAAAAAF8g/62OHQrqa5d8/s1600/DSC_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bpzYXernYdU/VVO3li_5l7I/AAAAAAAAF8g/62OHQrqa5d8/s640/DSC_0039.JPG" width="454" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But both bathrooms had the same counter, a funky goldish yellow color and seashell sinks with a soap ledge on each side. I'm sure this was popular in the 80s.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uY74O89wdp8/VVO3mrGiO1I/AAAAAAAAF8s/7GKnWLNZm5Y/s1600/DSC_0254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uY74O89wdp8/VVO3mrGiO1I/AAAAAAAAF8s/7GKnWLNZm5Y/s640/DSC_0254.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I looked at it one last time, I thought, seashell sinks are kinda awesome. I mean they <i>are </i>shaped like a <i>seashell</i>. And if anyone, anywhere could love a seashell shaped sink it would be a beach loving girl like little 'ole me. But they had to go! Outdated is the word that comes to mind, but if they were in a beach <i>house</i>, in an attractive color, just maybe they would be <i>classic</i>.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xkpcHJ4eM9M/VVO3mv58urI/AAAAAAAAF8w/L8YB3Nmz-EQ/s1600/DSC_0258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xkpcHJ4eM9M/VVO3mv58urI/AAAAAAAAF8w/L8YB3Nmz-EQ/s640/DSC_0258.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I got ready to write this post I realized I have no pictures <i>after </i>the faucets were replaced! I will include some after the cabinets are painted and the doors are washed and I reveal the entire project in all it's glory!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But for now, here is the beautiful new MATTE WHITE double sink vanity with wave bowls. I had a 6" backsplash made for this one because I thought it looked more upscale and also would cover any sheetrock/paint damage from removal of the old vanity. I'm very pleased and happy with the new vanity top. And also, you should know, this is <i>cultured marble</i>. No kidding.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cultured marble has a bad rep. People think it's cheap - it's not cheap, it's not low end. It's super durable. It's a great product that lasts a long long time and looks beautiful almost forever <i><u>if</u> </i>you make a good choice. It's the perfect choice for this Jack 'n Jill bath in the upstairs guest bathroom. And honestly, for myself, I would be good with this in the master bath. But in the area where we live, when we sell, buyer's will expect granite in the master bath. So when we replace the counter tops in the master, I will probably go with granite.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MDNAaoiCYFg/VVO4Y4XSTcI/AAAAAAAAF9I/pvK8VybccLo/s1600/IMG_3872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MDNAaoiCYFg/VVO4Y4XSTcI/AAAAAAAAF9I/pvK8VybccLo/s640/IMG_3872.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And speaking of <i>granite </i>- which I also love. I chose granite for the small vanity the guest bathroom downstairs. My color choice was Santa Cecelia, a beautiful gold and black with a square under mount wave bowl. Be still my heart, that's a lovely counter top and sink! But now I'm questioning if this room needs repainted to match the granite better. sigh.....</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gSAxh6H4Uvg/VVO4b63fSEI/AAAAAAAAF9Q/tfDKhqV7eiM/s1600/IMG_3866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gSAxh6H4Uvg/VVO4b63fSEI/AAAAAAAAF9Q/tfDKhqV7eiM/s640/IMG_3866.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wonder if other people work on guest areas first and the master bedroom and/or bathroom second? Or like us, do you just do first what needs done more urgently first? We were honestly embarrassed for guests to use our tub/shower upstairs. It was that bad. But after two more steps by yours truly it's going to be amazing!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Much love and laughter,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>Laura</em></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/lauraleas/"><img alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" height="26" src="https://a248.e.akamai.net/passets.pinterest.com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="PJH Designs" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii556/pjhale52/TTbadge.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://jaysonandashley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/buttonashtor200.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Primitive and Proper" src="http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h323/theboldabode/PP-Button-Frame.gif" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae217/brambleberrycottage/800px-The_clock_tower_of_St_Mori-1.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em;" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/"><img alt="southern hospitality" src="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_17/custom/images/shbutton.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff438/kammyskorner/TtoTKammyKorner.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tq19w89B_3M/T2FLECh_MbI/AAAAAAAAJkM/_X2mHxdmtyc/s1600/THT%2BParty%2BButton-2.2.jpg" /></a> <img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/DebbieNewbiePartyButton2.png" height="100" /> <a href="http://cedarhillranch.blogspot.com/"><img border="”0”" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-khBouSKh5s0/UFzLfP6XA_I/AAAAAAAAXSk/y-erbWjMBTA/w286-h294-p-k/cowgirl%2Bup%2Bbutton%2B2012.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.restoreinteriors.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/restoreinteriors/RESTOREDITBLUE.png#34; alt=" height="100" restoreinteriors="restoreinteriors" /></a> <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YW52hcrOLTM/TLHquNnxegI/AAAAAAAAB3s/V9A46r_deRY/s1600/frenchframegfairy005b.jpg" /></a>
<center>
<a href="http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com/">http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com</a><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/">http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/">http://www.the36thavenue.com</a></div>
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/">http://betweennapsontheporch.net</a><br /><a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/">http://southernhospitalityblog.com</a><br /><div div="div" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net</div>
</center>
<br /><a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" /></a><br />
</center>
</div>
Sooner Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08758620131205853298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935431986434709452.post-83878154387546959662015-04-07T12:57:00.001-05:002015-04-07T12:57:14.693-05:00Bumps in the Road <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you ever experience bumps in your life road? I've had a few the last 3 days. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Bump One</b></i> - My oldest daughter and one of the Grandgirls missed Easter lunch because the little one was sick. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Bump Two</b></i> - It rained here on Easter so no outdoor egg hunting for the little ones and we were looking forward to watching them, they are at such a cute age. But egg hunting isn't really what Easter is about anyway. We celebrated Resurrection Day and enjoyed the short time we got to spend with the other two Grandgirls.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Bump Three</b></i> - The reason for our hurried return was because we had a small hiccup in the tile installation in the bathroom and needed to add an unplanned trim piece to make things all "even". Thankfully, Home Depot was open on Easter and we found a really nice accent piece that we are going to pretend we planned from the beginning. Crossing my fingers that the tile portion of the project finishes today.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9YAxx9o-55M/VSQUjeJ5dqI/AAAAAAAAF7c/PKPRY-udFbQ/s1600/IMG_3824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9YAxx9o-55M/VSQUjeJ5dqI/AAAAAAAAF7c/PKPRY-udFbQ/s1600/IMG_3824.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SuperDave had to travel for work this week so before he left we needed to remove the faucet and drain from this vanity because counters for two bathrooms are being installed tomorrow. If anyone could love a SEASHELL sink it should be a beach lover like me. Maybe if the seashell sinks were in a <i>beach </i>house? Or maybe if they weren't this funky yellow color? Or maybe if most of the world didn't consider seashell sinks "dated"? Whatever the reason, they have to go.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BUO9oKxj1ag/VSQUkDS8G2I/AAAAAAAAF7g/7ZaBYL2y8Rk/s1600/IMG_3820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BUO9oKxj1ag/VSQUkDS8G2I/AAAAAAAAF7g/7ZaBYL2y8Rk/s1600/IMG_3820.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Bump Four</i></b> - This is normally a simple task, except when the water shut off valve breaks as soon as you turn it. Time is 5:15 pm, Home Depot closes in 45 minutes. My husband says you can't make this stuff up if you tried.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZH5inQ4TTsI/VSQUlgmM4sI/AAAAAAAAF7s/vtMpucRPAxQ/s1600/valve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZH5inQ4TTsI/VSQUlgmM4sI/AAAAAAAAF7s/vtMpucRPAxQ/s1600/valve.jpg" height="398" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you ever been here? With 45 minutes to get to the store and buy parts? Your should have seen us scrambling around trying to shut off the water and get him out the door while I stayed on site to empty the bowl. Or maybe you shouldn't have, I'm sure it was a comical sight.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iLGB-6dD76w/VSQUm-xCmoI/AAAAAAAAF70/gZFLircKhTs/s1600/drip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iLGB-6dD76w/VSQUm-xCmoI/AAAAAAAAF70/gZFLircKhTs/s1600/drip.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Bump Five</i></b> - 5:30 AM today, my home alarm starts beeping like someone opened a door, or maybe it's a different kind of beep. Whatever it is I was startled out of a deep sleep and ran stumbling to find the reason my alarm was making noise. It appears the battery is failing and needs replaced. I ordered a new one and was told that when I clear the notification it shouldn't go off again for 24 hours. I sure hope the low battery "notification" doesn't choose 5:30 am tomorrow morning to remind me again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I take a deep breath and remind myself that these are all little things, easily resolved things. These <i>bumps </i>are just bumps, easy to get over and continue on my journey of life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Much love and laughter.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>Laura</em></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/lauraleas/"><img alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" height="26" src="https://a248.e.akamai.net/passets.pinterest.com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="PJH Designs" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii556/pjhale52/TTbadge.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://jaysonandashley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/buttonashtor200.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Primitive and Proper" src="http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h323/theboldabode/PP-Button-Frame.gif" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae217/brambleberrycottage/800px-The_clock_tower_of_St_Mori-1.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em;" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/"><img alt="southern hospitality" src="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_17/custom/images/shbutton.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff438/kammyskorner/TtoTKammyKorner.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tq19w89B_3M/T2FLECh_MbI/AAAAAAAAJkM/_X2mHxdmtyc/s1600/THT%2BParty%2BButton-2.2.jpg" height="100" /></a> <img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/DebbieNewbiePartyButton2.png" height="100" /> <a href="http://cedarhillranch.blogspot.com/"><img border="”0”" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-khBouSKh5s0/UFzLfP6XA_I/AAAAAAAAXSk/y-erbWjMBTA/w286-h294-p-k/cowgirl%2Bup%2Bbutton%2B2012.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.restoreinteriors.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/restoreinteriors/RESTOREDITBLUE.png#34; alt=" height="100" restoreinteriors="restoreinteriors" /></a> <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YW52hcrOLTM/TLHquNnxegI/AAAAAAAAB3s/V9A46r_deRY/s1600/frenchframegfairy005b.jpg" height="100" /></a>
<center>
<a href="http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com/">http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com</a><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/">http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/">http://www.the36thavenue.com</a></div>
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/">http://betweennapsontheporch.net</a><br /><a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/">http://southernhospitalityblog.com</a><br /><div div="div" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net</div>
</center>
<br /><a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" /></a><br />
</center>
</div>
Sooner Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08758620131205853298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935431986434709452.post-290992611048812542015-04-03T09:34:00.002-05:002015-04-03T09:39:45.728-05:00Bathroom Renovation Part 3, The Fun Stuff<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Spring has arrived in north Texas (with a vengeance). The wet weather followed by sun and heat has caused an explosion of <strike>spring allergies</strike> trees and grasses. I <i>LOVE </i><i>LOVE </i><i>LOVE </i>being outside so much, but with 25 mph winds many days the last 3 weeks I've had a headache for about 2 weeks. Every spring and fall I get a sinus infection, you would think I would learn to stay indoors, but that's not likely. I think possibly today I'm finally starting to improve. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But there is good news - this is our week off from the bathroom renovation. The guys installing the tile arrived on Monday and are installing the tile this week. I've also ordered the counter top for the vanity and am super excited to get that installed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's a sneak peak of the floor</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-foZzqtWHIoA/VR6ixGSxuNI/AAAAAAAAF6c/vJAiNBA3ceo/s1600/Tile%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-foZzqtWHIoA/VR6ixGSxuNI/AAAAAAAAF6c/vJAiNBA3ceo/s1600/Tile%2B1.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And the tub/shower surround</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k4QEbv47HPs/VR6ixh6hYLI/AAAAAAAAF6g/Kemy6YF8new/s1600/tile%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k4QEbv47HPs/VR6ixh6hYLI/AAAAAAAAF6g/Kemy6YF8new/s1600/tile%2B2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So this week, all the work we've been doing get covered up! Except the tub, which gets uncovered soon, and it's shiny and white and beautiful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today we have</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A City inspector coming to inspect the water heater installation;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A stained glass repair artist coming to repair broken pieces of this window; </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bVlE3oEVkN8/VR6j_7oMyiI/AAAAAAAAF7A/eNhn_6B9D0Y/s1600/Stained%2Bglass%2Bwindow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bVlE3oEVkN8/VR6j_7oMyiI/AAAAAAAAF7A/eNhn_6B9D0Y/s1600/Stained%2Bglass%2Bwindow.jpg" height="616" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">AND......</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The tile guys continuing the bathroom tile installation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's a lot of progress for one day. It's good I decided to take a half-day of vacation this afternoon. I'm ready for a long weekend.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a wonderful Easter weekend,</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>Laura</em></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/lauraleas/"><img alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" height="26" src="https://a248.e.akamai.net/passets.pinterest.com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="PJH Designs" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii556/pjhale52/TTbadge.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://jaysonandashley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/buttonashtor200.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Primitive and Proper" src="http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h323/theboldabode/PP-Button-Frame.gif" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae217/brambleberrycottage/800px-The_clock_tower_of_St_Mori-1.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em;" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/"><img alt="southern hospitality" src="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_17/custom/images/shbutton.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff438/kammyskorner/TtoTKammyKorner.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tq19w89B_3M/T2FLECh_MbI/AAAAAAAAJkM/_X2mHxdmtyc/s1600/THT%2BParty%2BButton-2.2.jpg" height="100" /></a> <img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/DebbieNewbiePartyButton2.png" height="100" /> <a href="http://cedarhillranch.blogspot.com/"><img border="”0”" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-khBouSKh5s0/UFzLfP6XA_I/AAAAAAAAXSk/y-erbWjMBTA/w286-h294-p-k/cowgirl%2Bup%2Bbutton%2B2012.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.restoreinteriors.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/restoreinteriors/RESTOREDITBLUE.png#34; alt=" height="100" restoreinteriors="restoreinteriors" /></a> <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YW52hcrOLTM/TLHquNnxegI/AAAAAAAAB3s/V9A46r_deRY/s1600/frenchframegfairy005b.jpg" height="100" /></a>
<center>
<a href="http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com/">http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com</a><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/">http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/">http://www.the36thavenue.com</a></div>
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/">http://betweennapsontheporch.net</a><br /><a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/">http://southernhospitalityblog.com</a><br /><div div="div" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net</div>
</center>
<br /><a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" /></a><br />
</center>
</div>
Sooner Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08758620131205853298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935431986434709452.post-65256468716498719432015-03-26T09:57:00.002-05:002015-03-26T09:57:27.454-05:00California Adventure - Muir Woods<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Taking a break from the bathroom reno to relax for a moment and remember our lovely California Adventure vacation last summer. I do love California, especially that you sometimes need a sweatshirt in July. That NEVER happens in north Texas - absolutely <i>never</i>!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes I just get sidetracked and forget to finish things for a while. I never finished showing you all the stops on our vacation last summer. But maybe the timing is good as people start to plan for summer vacation. The final tourist stop on our California Adventure last summer was the Muir Woods National Monument. The pictures speak for themselves.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-juPmvA84Kdw/VRMekzvS89I/AAAAAAAAF4c/oVI5btgEh-0/s1600/DSC_0974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-juPmvA84Kdw/VRMekzvS89I/AAAAAAAAF4c/oVI5btgEh-0/s1600/DSC_0974.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Really <i>BIG </i>trees</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yU8e_hvpZJg/VRMfVzWnP9I/AAAAAAAAF5M/9nTWZxjh-ew/s1600/DSC_0980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yU8e_hvpZJg/VRMfVzWnP9I/AAAAAAAAF5M/9nTWZxjh-ew/s1600/DSC_0980.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That have been here a really <i>really </i>long time</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xXmqwW3TPcM/VRMfV_PfcwI/AAAAAAAAF5Q/dGmNkFvfT20/s1600/DSC_0979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xXmqwW3TPcM/VRMfV_PfcwI/AAAAAAAAF5Q/dGmNkFvfT20/s1600/DSC_0979.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Make you realize how small you are in the universe</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UURk0X82gbA/VRMfVYtoXeI/AAAAAAAAF5I/YFqW0DtnNC8/s1600/DSC_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UURk0X82gbA/VRMfVYtoXeI/AAAAAAAAF5I/YFqW0DtnNC8/s1600/DSC_0080.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A walk in the woods is always a good way to spend a day</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2sGTx-sqvp4/VRMfkdRix1I/AAAAAAAAF5o/pmEUIjMf5bM/s1600/DSC_1001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2sGTx-sqvp4/VRMfkdRix1I/AAAAAAAAF5o/pmEUIjMf5bM/s1600/DSC_1001.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wish we had spent a full day here, we would have enjoyed hiking some of the outer loop trails. We might come back here some day and stay longer, it was definitely worth a visit. Things we had read said take the shuttle due to limited parking. We would have needed to drive in the wrong direction to ride a shuttle so we drove ourselves and had to park beside the road about a mile from the entrance. So my advice is take the shuttle, even if you have to drive in the opposite direction of the park to get on it!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">The walk through this beautiful forest was peaceful and relaxing, if you are in northern California I would recommend a visit to Muir Wood National Monument.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">Much love and laughter,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>Laura</em></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/lauraleas/"><img alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" height="26" src="https://a248.e.akamai.net/passets.pinterest.com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="PJH Designs" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii556/pjhale52/TTbadge.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://jaysonandashley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/buttonashtor200.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Primitive and Proper" src="http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h323/theboldabode/PP-Button-Frame.gif" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae217/brambleberrycottage/800px-The_clock_tower_of_St_Mori-1.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em;" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/"><img alt="southern hospitality" src="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_17/custom/images/shbutton.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff438/kammyskorner/TtoTKammyKorner.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tq19w89B_3M/T2FLECh_MbI/AAAAAAAAJkM/_X2mHxdmtyc/s1600/THT%2BParty%2BButton-2.2.jpg" height="100" /></a> <img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/DebbieNewbiePartyButton2.png" height="100" /> <a href="http://cedarhillranch.blogspot.com/"><img border="”0”" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-khBouSKh5s0/UFzLfP6XA_I/AAAAAAAAXSk/y-erbWjMBTA/w286-h294-p-k/cowgirl%2Bup%2Bbutton%2B2012.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.restoreinteriors.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/restoreinteriors/RESTOREDITBLUE.png#34; alt=" height="100" restoreinteriors="restoreinteriors" /></a> <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YW52hcrOLTM/TLHquNnxegI/AAAAAAAAB3s/V9A46r_deRY/s1600/frenchframegfairy005b.jpg" height="100" /></a>
<center>
<a href="http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com/">http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com</a><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/">http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/">http://www.the36thavenue.com</a></div>
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/">http://betweennapsontheporch.net</a><br /><a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/">http://southernhospitalityblog.com</a><br /><div div="div" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net</div>
</center>
<br /><a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" /></a><br />
</center>
</div>
Sooner Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08758620131205853298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935431986434709452.post-1253617685495286842015-03-25T15:33:00.002-05:002015-03-25T15:37:10.562-05:00Bathroom Renovation Part 2, Slow Progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You know that feeling you get when you do something amazing yourself? That DIY satisfaction of a job well done with your own hands? Not to mention your own blood, sweat and tears? Yeah, we're about <i><u>over</u> </i>that after a little over 2 weeks on this project.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think to appreciate where we are on <b><i>DAY 16</i></b> of the upstairs bath remodel you have to consider a couple of things.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Things like what it looked like <i>before </i>and <i>why </i>we started this (<i>backbreaking</i>) project 16 days ago. Also, consider that we both work full time, so all the work is done on weekends and after work in the evenings. This means we haven't done <strike>any</strike> much relaxing lately.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>BEFORE</b> (eagerly anticipating the day when there is an after photo)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xf8BA6t2L7I/VRMVKv6jHxI/AAAAAAAAF2o/Suv9QfwI990/s1600/IMG_3108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xf8BA6t2L7I/VRMVKv6jHxI/AAAAAAAAF2o/Suv9QfwI990/s1600/IMG_3108.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Day One</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3lfSLIpju48/VRMVMgD0N7I/AAAAAAAAF2w/0OPH_3ZZWPQ/s1600/IMG_3679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3lfSLIpju48/VRMVMgD0N7I/AAAAAAAAF2w/0OPH_3ZZWPQ/s1600/IMG_3679.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Day Sixteen!!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHu8NxdWIQQ/VRMVcge7INI/AAAAAAAAF3s/vDzz3zgDQJw/s1600/IMG_3751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHu8NxdWIQQ/VRMVcge7INI/AAAAAAAAF3s/vDzz3zgDQJw/s1600/IMG_3751.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I honestly had no idea how much work was involved between those two pictures. You can find Part 1 <a href="http://lifebeginsatfortysomething.blogspot.com/2015/03/bathroom-renovation-part-1-tub-and-tile.html">here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Along the way there has been plumbing work,</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZGyurmik4w/VRMVZPv-hYI/AAAAAAAAF3Q/0n2b2UP51a0/s1600/IMG_1290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZGyurmik4w/VRMVZPv-hYI/AAAAAAAAF3Q/0n2b2UP51a0/s1600/IMG_1290.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">insulation work,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fZl-2k_79_k/VRMVZGZIt6I/AAAAAAAAF28/CcdXrTCcJBI/s1600/IMG_1295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fZl-2k_79_k/VRMVZGZIt6I/AAAAAAAAF28/CcdXrTCcJBI/s1600/IMG_1295.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">rejecting tile because it didn't match the existing floor,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KNwJXmr2nnk/VRMVZwY0HvI/AAAAAAAAF3E/kst48h5f2K8/s1600/IMG_3629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KNwJXmr2nnk/VRMVZwY0HvI/AAAAAAAAF3E/kst48h5f2K8/s1600/IMG_3629.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">finding tile to match the existing floor so we didn't need to replace it, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bzEYelJdHIQ/VRMVaSJlClI/AAAAAAAAF3M/4QwMss0eDKw/s1600/IMG_3648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bzEYelJdHIQ/VRMVaSJlClI/AAAAAAAAF3M/4QwMss0eDKw/s1600/IMG_3648.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DZxOMURhbUg/VRMVa75rrtI/AAAAAAAAF3U/u07aF4a5s2E/s1600/IMG_3649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">discovering the new tub wouldn't cover all the old floor tile after all, </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MdyY4tkj-gA/VRMVbiBkLxI/AAAAAAAAF3c/M7gosqdBDHI/s1600/IMG_3703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MdyY4tkj-gA/VRMVbiBkLxI/AAAAAAAAF3c/M7gosqdBDHI/s1600/IMG_3703.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">tearing out the old tile and buying more new tile,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hd379BJOVJg/VRMVcKFhXlI/AAAAAAAAF3k/_Pu50nJpbSQ/s1600/IMG_3704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hd379BJOVJg/VRMVcKFhXlI/AAAAAAAAF3k/_Pu50nJpbSQ/s1600/IMG_3704.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">lots of trips to the home improvement store and lots of $$ spent,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQiIdI8c9Z0/VRMVZLZZBRI/AAAAAAAAF24/f1bIcWD1V_E/s1600/IMG_1288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQiIdI8c9Z0/VRMVZLZZBRI/AAAAAAAAF24/f1bIcWD1V_E/s1600/IMG_1288.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">dust, dust and more dust,</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qgzsna9Du3g/VRMVcUa4tvI/AAAAAAAAF30/hf-2vYvyAnc/s1600/IMG_3748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qgzsna9Du3g/VRMVcUa4tvI/AAAAAAAAF30/hf-2vYvyAnc/s1600/IMG_3748.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and long evenings working after a full day at work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then there is the backer board, tape and mud.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHu8NxdWIQQ/VRMVcge7INI/AAAAAAAAF3s/vDzz3zgDQJw/s1600/IMG_3751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHu8NxdWIQQ/VRMVcge7INI/AAAAAAAAF3s/vDzz3zgDQJw/s1600/IMG_3751.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Did I mention DIY isn't always as fun as you think it's going to be?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Did I tell you there are 18 stair steps to the second floor and I've gone up and down those stairs too many times to count in the last two weeks and still gained weight?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And best of all did I tell you that we hired a "<i>professional</i>" to install the tile? Two more nights of work applying waterproofing and we get to take a week off......or work on another project while the tile is installed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm leaning toward the week off, both SuperDave and I need a week for our bodies to recuperate from all the pain of using muscles and joints in ways we haven't used them in <strike>years</strike> a while.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For now, I will keep repeating to myself, eye on the prize, eye on the prize, the <i>AFTER </i>is coming, hang in there. Sadly, when it's all done I will have to climb 18 stair steps just to admire it, <i>if</i> I have the energy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Much love and laughter,</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>Laura</em></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/lauraleas/"><img alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" height="26" src="https://a248.e.akamai.net/passets.pinterest.com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="PJH Designs" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii556/pjhale52/TTbadge.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://jaysonandashley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/buttonashtor200.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Primitive and Proper" src="http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h323/theboldabode/PP-Button-Frame.gif" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae217/brambleberrycottage/800px-The_clock_tower_of_St_Mori-1.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em;" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/"><img alt="southern hospitality" src="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_17/custom/images/shbutton.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff438/kammyskorner/TtoTKammyKorner.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tq19w89B_3M/T2FLECh_MbI/AAAAAAAAJkM/_X2mHxdmtyc/s1600/THT%2BParty%2BButton-2.2.jpg" height="100" /></a> <img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/DebbieNewbiePartyButton2.png" height="100" /> <a href="http://cedarhillranch.blogspot.com/"><img border="”0”" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-khBouSKh5s0/UFzLfP6XA_I/AAAAAAAAXSk/y-erbWjMBTA/w286-h294-p-k/cowgirl%2Bup%2Bbutton%2B2012.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.restoreinteriors.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/restoreinteriors/RESTOREDITBLUE.png#34; alt=" height="100" restoreinteriors="restoreinteriors" /></a> <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YW52hcrOLTM/TLHquNnxegI/AAAAAAAAB3s/V9A46r_deRY/s1600/frenchframegfairy005b.jpg" height="100" /></a>
<center>
<a href="http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com/">http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com</a><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/">http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/">http://www.the36thavenue.com</a></div>
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/">http://betweennapsontheporch.net</a><br /><a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/">http://southernhospitalityblog.com</a><br /><div div="div" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net</div>
</center>
<br /><a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" /></a><br />
</center>
</div>
Sooner Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08758620131205853298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935431986434709452.post-17594028645017285102015-03-13T15:51:00.002-05:002015-03-13T16:01:12.709-05:00Kitchen Cabinets - Paint and Glass Doors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have another project going on at the same time we are <a href="http://lifebeginsatfortysomething.blogspot.com/2015/03/bathroom-renovation-part-1-tub-and-tile.html">remodeling the upstairs bathroom</a>. It's a big project but I started with a small "test subject" area and the rest are are on hold for now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our house is 30 years old. We have those golden oak kitchen cabinets that someone thought was the only color of stain available in the 80s. I really feel the need to update but don't want to spend a lot of money. So a few years ago I decided to add glass to the doors of the upper cabinets. I would bring it up occasionally to SuperDave but he was hesitant to start cutting on the cabinet doors.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_IzVX-VSIqg/VQCOOgSV46I/AAAAAAAAF0Q/_wtDysNAtug/s1600/kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_IzVX-VSIqg/VQCOOgSV46I/AAAAAAAAF0Q/_wtDysNAtug/s1600/kitchen.jpg" height="640" width="448" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First we did Internet research on how to cut out the raised panel in the middle of the door, then I bought an old cabinet door at the Habitat for Humanity Restore for him to play with for a while.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mkok6CGnngM/VQCOOD6aiaI/AAAAAAAAF0M/8JWf2Car1F8/s1600/Kitchen%2Bcabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mkok6CGnngM/VQCOOD6aiaI/AAAAAAAAF0M/8JWf2Car1F8/s1600/Kitchen%2Bcabinet.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I waited and waited and finally he started on the real doors with the mind set that if we ruined the doors we would just make a new plan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AxdTbZ5JIcY/VQCObv_GmBI/AAAAAAAAF0o/WfDAKMvvW6I/s1600/IMG_3542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AxdTbZ5JIcY/VQCObv_GmBI/AAAAAAAAF0o/WfDAKMvvW6I/s1600/IMG_3542.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had previously painted the island in our kitchen and the black chalk paint covered great on the island. The white didn't seem to be working as well, at first.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YZSUR9gxhUo/VQCON0whyFI/AAAAAAAAF0E/ZFydXk-7Sf8/s1600/IMG_3561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YZSUR9gxhUo/VQCON0whyFI/AAAAAAAAF0E/ZFydXk-7Sf8/s1600/IMG_3561.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At this point I was beginning to think maybe I had made a mistake. But I kept going. What choice did I have?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SS0clYxIm9A/VQCON8hR4xI/AAAAAAAAF0I/PSy79gM7ciE/s1600/IMG_3560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SS0clYxIm9A/VQCON8hR4xI/AAAAAAAAF0I/PSy79gM7ciE/s1600/IMG_3560.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After a few coats of paint and some clear and dark wax, I was satisfied. They look a more yellow at night t</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">han I had intended,</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> but in the daytime they appear more white. Light has so much effect on paint color! I used </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #484848;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maison Blanche Vintage Furniture Paint in Vanille with clear wax and a little dark wax.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y4cFmB1W2fE/VQCUE6r-H7I/AAAAAAAAF1o/wkEcOk_CO4Y/s1600/Cabinet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y4cFmB1W2fE/VQCUE6r-H7I/AAAAAAAAF1o/wkEcOk_CO4Y/s1600/Cabinet.JPG" height="640" width="496" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once they were painted I headed off to the glass shop to look for an opaque glass. The glass shop convenient to my work and home would install the glass, but they only had two options that were not extremely transparent. One was a very plain textured glass and the other was called Everglade. It's swirling vines appealed to me and seemed a little whimsical. I like whimsical....</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RN0AX6Mx5qw/VQCT9rPvN3I/AAAAAAAAF1c/GEkUqJfXOew/s1600/IMG_3638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RN0AX6Mx5qw/VQCT9rPvN3I/AAAAAAAAF1c/GEkUqJfXOew/s1600/IMG_3638.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I said, "do it!"</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a_M43nxjjMg/VQCONlTJT_I/AAAAAAAAF0A/x9_XW2hsZ6A/s1600/Evergalde-52455898ee529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a_M43nxjjMg/VQCONlTJT_I/AAAAAAAAF0A/x9_XW2hsZ6A/s1600/Evergalde-52455898ee529.jpg" height="347" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think it looks so much better! Honestly if the glass shop had a dozen choices I might not have picked this one. I'm sort of glad they didn't because I like it more and more every day.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TdLlhfO8F9s/VQCOwwo6QHI/AAAAAAAAF0w/iUE9_woG6lg/s1600/DSC_0247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TdLlhfO8F9s/VQCOwwo6QHI/AAAAAAAAF0w/iUE9_woG6lg/s1600/DSC_0247.JPG" height="492" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Look at that beautiful swirly glass!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fDr7oRQzOD8/VQCOxzBc6FI/AAAAAAAAF1I/GOiKc9mlQ88/s1600/DSC_0250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fDr7oRQzOD8/VQCOxzBc6FI/AAAAAAAAF1I/GOiKc9mlQ88/s1600/DSC_0250.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The other side of the kitchen has a bank of cabinets with <i>SIX </i>doors, plus two little ones over the fridge. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As soon as I get my second wind, (or when the bathroom project is finished) I'm going to tackle the other side. Then I plan to gel stain the lower cabinets like I did in the <a href="http://lifebeginsatfortysomething.blogspot.com/2015/02/gel-staining-guest-bath-cabinets.html">guest bathroom</a>. I'll let you know how it goes! I'm excited to have the whole kitchen finished - not excited about DOING the project but excited to have it finished. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> BEFORE AFTER</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RXh49OMgvu8/VQNPcIpv2eI/AAAAAAAAF2I/7Rx-mZXnyYY/s1600/before%2Bn%2Bafter%2Bcabinet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RXh49OMgvu8/VQNPcIpv2eI/AAAAAAAAF2I/7Rx-mZXnyYY/s1600/before%2Bn%2Bafter%2Bcabinet.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Much love and laughter,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>Laura</em></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/lauraleas/"><img alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" height="26" src="https://a248.e.akamai.net/passets.pinterest.com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="PJH Designs" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii556/pjhale52/TTbadge.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://jaysonandashley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/buttonashtor200.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Primitive and Proper" src="http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h323/theboldabode/PP-Button-Frame.gif" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae217/brambleberrycottage/800px-The_clock_tower_of_St_Mori-1.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em;" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/"><img alt="southern hospitality" src="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_17/custom/images/shbutton.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff438/kammyskorner/TtoTKammyKorner.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tq19w89B_3M/T2FLECh_MbI/AAAAAAAAJkM/_X2mHxdmtyc/s1600/THT%2BParty%2BButton-2.2.jpg" height="100" /></a> <img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/DebbieNewbiePartyButton2.png" height="100" /> <a href="http://cedarhillranch.blogspot.com/"><img border="”0”" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-khBouSKh5s0/UFzLfP6XA_I/AAAAAAAAXSk/y-erbWjMBTA/w286-h294-p-k/cowgirl%2Bup%2Bbutton%2B2012.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.restoreinteriors.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/restoreinteriors/RESTOREDITBLUE.png#34; alt=" height="100" restoreinteriors="restoreinteriors" /></a> <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YW52hcrOLTM/TLHquNnxegI/AAAAAAAAB3s/V9A46r_deRY/s1600/frenchframegfairy005b.jpg" height="100" /></a>
<center>
<a href="http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com/">http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com</a><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/">http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/">http://www.the36thavenue.com</a></div>
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/">http://betweennapsontheporch.net</a><br /><a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/">http://southernhospitalityblog.com</a><br /><div div="div" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net</div>
</center>
<br /><a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" /></a><br />
</center>
</div>
Sooner Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08758620131205853298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935431986434709452.post-64477014819971317692015-03-11T13:48:00.001-05:002015-03-11T13:48:09.708-05:00Bathroom Renovation Part 1, Tub and Tile Demolition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shortly after moving into our home 8 years ago we discovered that the porcelain finish on the bathtub upstairs was completely gone. Whether it was scrubbed off or defective, I have no idea, but it was G-O-N-E and we could never make the tub look clean. Eventually we hired a guy to refinish the tub and tile. (it was a brownish color) Why aren't all bathtubs WHITE? Maybe this color was all the rage in the 80s, but probably not 5 years later. Please, don't ever install a tub that isn't white. White never goes out of style.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back to my very sad story. A few weeks after the refinish, the tub and tile started peeling and I realized I had been totally scammed by a tub refinishing guy who didn't respond to calls and e-mails after he got my money. He apparently changed the name of his company often so people can't research him and discover he's a crook. My advice is search the phone number of service providers, he wasn't changing his phone number, just the company name. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, all in the past, lesson learned, money down the drain.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year, the tub and tile are leaving us and will be replaced (at great time, effort and expense) with a shiny new CLEAN tub and updated tile. Fortunately, the cost won't be as high due to all the work being done by SuperDave and yours truly. (mostly SD)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ugly, sad, peeling tile....</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTSbIWvKJ7g/VQCC3_afrHI/AAAAAAAAFyA/hL634P6yWEQ/s1600/DSC_0237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTSbIWvKJ7g/VQCC3_afrHI/AAAAAAAAFyA/hL634P6yWEQ/s1600/DSC_0237.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ugly, sad, peeling bathtub.......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d02KxRGVhys/VQCC5TBH-vI/AAAAAAAAFyY/GQ5_ctQ7rtU/s1600/DSC_0238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d02KxRGVhys/VQCC5TBH-vI/AAAAAAAAFyY/GQ5_ctQ7rtU/s1600/DSC_0238.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had a list of about 10 items before the demo began, including covering the floor tile (which we plan to keep) and the door to one bedroom. This should help minimize damage and make cleanup after a little easier. Don't worry about the vanity top, it was refinished poorly also and will be removed in a few weeks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BEz1SdRG63Y/VQCC6LhhXVI/AAAAAAAAFyg/4kmqH-Cpa1g/s1600/DSC_0239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BEz1SdRG63Y/VQCC6LhhXVI/AAAAAAAAFyg/4kmqH-Cpa1g/s1600/DSC_0239.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SuperDave is the demo king and he got a fancy new tool. Projects at our house always require new tools. I call this one the Tileminator. It made removing the tile much faster and easier. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Painting my baby girls's old room (in the background of this picture) will be done when the bathroom is finished. She moved out and left stuff hanging on the walls. Painting this room has been on our list for a few years, but while she lived here she was always too busy to cooperate. It is way past time for a fresh coat of paint. Right now, it's the staging room and it's a BIG MESS.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-40OlCoTvmJc/VQCC78kkX3I/AAAAAAAAFy8/igKXKhnJUi0/s1600/DSC_0243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-40OlCoTvmJc/VQCC78kkX3I/AAAAAAAAFy8/igKXKhnJUi0/s1600/DSC_0243.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here it goes!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rIFFSUt2Tg8/VQCC8M2ZP2I/AAAAAAAAFzA/HXePyorsx7A/s1600/DSC_0244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rIFFSUt2Tg8/VQCC8M2ZP2I/AAAAAAAAFzA/HXePyorsx7A/s1600/DSC_0244.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bye, bye, not going to miss you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nHe-OXpCTy8/VQCC8X7ZsVI/AAAAAAAAFzY/M_XppW26jFc/s1600/IMG_3679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nHe-OXpCTy8/VQCC8X7ZsVI/AAAAAAAAFzY/M_XppW26jFc/s1600/IMG_3679.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The pile of debris has been growing a little every day. We (and by we, I mostly mean my honey) have been working on this every evening for 3 days. So far, no time off work. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S3xOjoiOtwU/VQCC8pf-_8I/AAAAAAAAFzU/I95ybK-XWpo/s1600/IMG_3688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S3xOjoiOtwU/VQCC8pf-_8I/AAAAAAAAFzU/I95ybK-XWpo/s1600/IMG_3688.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is today. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I guess when they built our home they didn't think it necessary to close up the wall behind the tub or insulate it. They also didn't even attach the tub to the studs - it was just sitting there. Maybe that's why the caulk always cracked and water stood in the corner of the tub?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i7ro3n-NXQQ/VQCC81nv1vI/AAAAAAAAFzQ/MLggMVBgLP0/s1600/IMG_3691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i7ro3n-NXQQ/VQCC81nv1vI/AAAAAAAAFzQ/MLggMVBgLP0/s1600/IMG_3691.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The debris pile now includes the ugly tub. Good job SuperDave!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-evrGf7gNM7w/VQCC-A3H0YI/AAAAAAAAFzk/_HFiZJTDHWs/s1600/IMG_3693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-evrGf7gNM7w/VQCC-A3H0YI/AAAAAAAAFzk/_HFiZJTDHWs/s1600/IMG_3693.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've had the windows open in the bedroom and bathroom during demo to reduce the amount of dust in the room. I would love to say I broke my nail working hard, but I was just closing the window after SD was finished. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C5Fi7MEsC1c/VQCC946-OGI/AAAAAAAAFzg/6Ove8oEhFw0/s1600/IMG_3692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C5Fi7MEsC1c/VQCC946-OGI/AAAAAAAAFzg/6Ove8oEhFw0/s1600/IMG_3692.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hopefully, the fun part starts shortly. Putting new stuff in IS more fun than taking old stuff out, right? Stay tuned for Part 2.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Much love and laughter,</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>Laura</em></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/lauraleas/"><img alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" height="26" src="https://a248.e.akamai.net/passets.pinterest.com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="PJH Designs" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii556/pjhale52/TTbadge.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://jaysonandashley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/buttonashtor200.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Primitive and Proper" src="http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h323/theboldabode/PP-Button-Frame.gif" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae217/brambleberrycottage/800px-The_clock_tower_of_St_Mori-1.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em;" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/"><img alt="southern hospitality" src="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_17/custom/images/shbutton.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff438/kammyskorner/TtoTKammyKorner.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tq19w89B_3M/T2FLECh_MbI/AAAAAAAAJkM/_X2mHxdmtyc/s1600/THT%2BParty%2BButton-2.2.jpg" height="100" /></a> <img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/DebbieNewbiePartyButton2.png" height="100" /> <a href="http://cedarhillranch.blogspot.com/"><img border="”0”" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-khBouSKh5s0/UFzLfP6XA_I/AAAAAAAAXSk/y-erbWjMBTA/w286-h294-p-k/cowgirl%2Bup%2Bbutton%2B2012.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.restoreinteriors.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/restoreinteriors/RESTOREDITBLUE.png#34; alt=" height="100" restoreinteriors="restoreinteriors" /></a> <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YW52hcrOLTM/TLHquNnxegI/AAAAAAAAB3s/V9A46r_deRY/s1600/frenchframegfairy005b.jpg" height="100" /></a>
<center>
<a href="http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com/">http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com</a><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/">http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/">http://www.the36thavenue.com</a></div>
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/">http://betweennapsontheporch.net</a><br /><a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/">http://southernhospitalityblog.com</a><br /><div div="div" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net</div>
</center>
<br /><a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" /></a><br />
</center>
</div>
Sooner Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08758620131205853298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935431986434709452.post-5225896850292434322015-03-06T12:48:00.001-06:002015-03-06T12:49:15.075-06:00Team Sanders<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SuperDave and I were working on a project recently and I jokingly called us "Team Sanders". I kinda like it and we do so many projects together that I think I'll keep it! We've always made a great team, I've got ideas and he's got skills.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We both grew up with DIY parents. Our parents were born in the 1930's and people of that generation didn't hire much work done. I was raised on a farm and the only things we didn't do ourselves were <i>major </i>doctor visits plus my dad would call a vet for a sick horse or cow. My Dad even gave our cows some type of vaccinations, he had a syringe so big you could see the hole in the end. I didn't want to be close to that big "shot needle" when I was a kid. I crawled under the house with Dad for plumbing work and onto the roof when new shingles were installed. I handed my dad tools when he worked on trucks, cars, or tractors. I fetched glasses of cold tea and bologna and cheese sandwiches on white Wonder bread with mustard. I was well trained.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My own kids didn't get in on as much of that growing up because I was usually the one helping their SuperDad and handing him the tools. He likes me around when he's working, even when I'm only there for moral support. Years ago, our neighbor was talking to me about her husband and she said, "You guys do everything together". I was startled! I had no idea we were being watched, observed and envied. We've always been an awesome team in work or play. I think it builds a strong marriage, and we do plenty of both.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 2015 we are opting for a "staycation" so we can tackle some expensive projects around the house. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some projects on our list this year are:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Painting the kitchen cabinets and adding glass to some cabinet doors <span style="font-size: x-small;">(more pics when finished) </span>I'm a little nervous about painting my own cabinets, advice anyone? My <a href="http://lifebeginsatfortysomething.blogspot.com/2012/09/i-have-my-very-own-island.html">island </a>turned out great, but I think the black covered easier than white. This project is going to take me a while.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mbQVcEe-UOo/VPnwMPw6RhI/AAAAAAAAFw0/7OVxLlS41as/s1600/IMG_3560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mbQVcEe-UOo/VPnwMPw6RhI/AAAAAAAAFw0/7OVxLlS41as/s1600/IMG_3560.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cleaning out the garage and trashing some stuff</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cleaning out some closets and donating some stuff</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Replacing the upstairs water heater <span style="font-size: x-small;">(we're going to hire some help on this one)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Replacing the bathtub, tile and vanity in the upstairs bathroom. Hallelujah! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Goodbye to this mess! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had it "professionally" re-glazed and the guy was a scam artist!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yyd2n2x1338/VPnxCw_ZNqI/AAAAAAAAFxA/cuJJXUAWNRw/s1600/tub%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yyd2n2x1338/VPnxCw_ZNqI/AAAAAAAAFxA/cuJJXUAWNRw/s1600/tub%2B3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Painting an upstairs bedroom</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Painting the downstairs guest bedroom</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After that, we will see how it's going, just reading the list makes me want to float in the pool with a cold drink. And I'll be doing my share of that for sure</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once all the ice and snow is gone!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rn6omy5s85U/VPn1IZFcCwI/AAAAAAAAFxg/tBASHAYBhyU/s1600/flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rn6omy5s85U/VPn1IZFcCwI/AAAAAAAAFxg/tBASHAYBhyU/s1600/flowers.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uB-bBYxYrgA/VPn1IvXS19I/AAAAAAAAFxk/1itEHymn7jU/s1600/snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uB-bBYxYrgA/VPn1IvXS19I/AAAAAAAAFxk/1itEHymn7jU/s1600/snow.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Team Sanders is pretty good at relaxing, but usually not until the work is done.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Much love and laughter,</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>Laura</em></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/lauraleas/"><img alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" height="26" src="https://a248.e.akamai.net/passets.pinterest.com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="PJH Designs" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii556/pjhale52/TTbadge.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://jaysonandashley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/buttonashtor200.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Primitive and Proper" src="http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h323/theboldabode/PP-Button-Frame.gif" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae217/brambleberrycottage/800px-The_clock_tower_of_St_Mori-1.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em;" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/"><img alt="southern hospitality" src="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_17/custom/images/shbutton.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff438/kammyskorner/TtoTKammyKorner.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tq19w89B_3M/T2FLECh_MbI/AAAAAAAAJkM/_X2mHxdmtyc/s1600/THT%2BParty%2BButton-2.2.jpg" height="100" /></a> <img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/DebbieNewbiePartyButton2.png" height="100" /> <a href="http://cedarhillranch.blogspot.com/"><img border="”0”" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-khBouSKh5s0/UFzLfP6XA_I/AAAAAAAAXSk/y-erbWjMBTA/w286-h294-p-k/cowgirl%2Bup%2Bbutton%2B2012.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.restoreinteriors.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/restoreinteriors/RESTOREDITBLUE.png#34; alt=" height="100" restoreinteriors="restoreinteriors" /></a> <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YW52hcrOLTM/TLHquNnxegI/AAAAAAAAB3s/V9A46r_deRY/s1600/frenchframegfairy005b.jpg" height="100" /></a>
<center>
<a href="http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com/">http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com</a><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/">http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/">http://www.the36thavenue.com</a></div>
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/">http://betweennapsontheporch.net</a><br /><a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/">http://southernhospitalityblog.com</a><br /><div div="div" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net</div>
</center>
<br /><a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" /></a><br />
</center>
</div>
Sooner Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08758620131205853298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935431986434709452.post-65199905962552298892015-02-11T14:31:00.001-06:002015-02-11T14:31:43.509-06:00Gel Staining the Guest Bath Cabinets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our guest bathroom got some updates quite a while ago, you can see that <a href="http://lifebeginsatfortysomething.blogspot.com/2012/02/half-way-makeover-of-outdated-guest.html">here</a>. (always strange to go back and look at old posts!) But the cabinets, like our kitchen, were a golden oak color that seems really dated. I guess that was "the thing" in 1986. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See the one door with one coat of gel stain? I'm embarrassed to tell you how long ago I removed that knob and applied the stain to ONE door of the cabinet in our guest bathroom. And also, honestly, I don't remember how long ago it started. But we'll say it was approximately <i>ONE YEAR AGO</i>. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rEAMpuYU5u8/VNOdO2nUPnI/AAAAAAAAFuk/-stgQFGXFL4/s1600/DSC_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rEAMpuYU5u8/VNOdO2nUPnI/AAAAAAAAFuk/-stgQFGXFL4/s1600/DSC_0031.JPG" height="558" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The bathroom is small and hard to photograph. It has a matching cabinet over the toilet, which I would remove completely - except the storage is so nice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7hR1vRNnQIk/VNOdd9EWrRI/AAAAAAAAFvc/j8HenGwpn0c/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7hR1vRNnQIk/VNOdd9EWrRI/AAAAAAAAFvc/j8HenGwpn0c/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The week after Christmas I took some vacation and ended up with a couple days home alone. I completed one project and this was it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fWistgQm8ww/VNOdRNY72II/AAAAAAAAFuw/bEqvt0RMuGI/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fWistgQm8ww/VNOdRNY72II/AAAAAAAAFuw/bEqvt0RMuGI/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This stuff is messy - wear gloves! It gets a little darker each coat. It really brings out the wood grain and with the three coats I applied, also the imperfections. But I like a distressed look. I can identify with distressed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vZvet6yk6zc/VNOdQrtlOSI/AAAAAAAAFus/gkdDPDXk2RM/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vZvet6yk6zc/VNOdQrtlOSI/AAAAAAAAFus/gkdDPDXk2RM/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Time wise, it really didn't take all that long. I think it was the messiness I was avoiding. I was very happy with the way it looked when I finished. I kept going back several times a day to look again. Do you do that when you finish a project?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3M0m_R5z1bo/VNOdRR6khlI/AAAAAAAAFu4/-nBQgWXKO0g/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3M0m_R5z1bo/VNOdRR6khlI/AAAAAAAAFu4/-nBQgWXKO0g/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" height="510" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thankfully, when SuperDave came home from work he liked the new look - because there was no going back at that point.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o11aDG7xtUo/VNOdSV6kQJI/AAAAAAAAFvQ/V9SnSISf4NY/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o11aDG7xtUo/VNOdSV6kQJI/AAAAAAAAFvQ/V9SnSISf4NY/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Several weeks later, I've forgotten about it a little, so when I go in there it's a nice surprise. And I'm still pleased every time!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Much love and laughter,</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>Laura</em></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/lauraleas/"><img alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" height="26" src="https://a248.e.akamai.net/passets.pinterest.com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="PJH Designs" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii556/pjhale52/TTbadge.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://jaysonandashley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/buttonashtor200.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Primitive and Proper" src="http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h323/theboldabode/PP-Button-Frame.gif" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae217/brambleberrycottage/800px-The_clock_tower_of_St_Mori-1.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em;" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/"><img alt="southern hospitality" src="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_17/custom/images/shbutton.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff438/kammyskorner/TtoTKammyKorner.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tq19w89B_3M/T2FLECh_MbI/AAAAAAAAJkM/_X2mHxdmtyc/s1600/THT%2BParty%2BButton-2.2.jpg" height="100" /></a> <img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/DebbieNewbiePartyButton2.png" height="100" /> <a href="http://cedarhillranch.blogspot.com/"><img border="”0”" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-khBouSKh5s0/UFzLfP6XA_I/AAAAAAAAXSk/y-erbWjMBTA/w286-h294-p-k/cowgirl%2Bup%2Bbutton%2B2012.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.restoreinteriors.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/restoreinteriors/RESTOREDITBLUE.png#34; alt=" height="100" restoreinteriors="restoreinteriors" /></a> <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YW52hcrOLTM/TLHquNnxegI/AAAAAAAAB3s/V9A46r_deRY/s1600/frenchframegfairy005b.jpg" height="100" /></a>
<center>
<a href="http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com/">http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com</a><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/">http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/">http://www.the36thavenue.com</a></div>
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/">http://betweennapsontheporch.net</a><br /><a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/">http://southernhospitalityblog.com</a><br /><div div="div" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net</div>
</center>
<br /><a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" /></a><br />
</center>
</div>
Sooner Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08758620131205853298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935431986434709452.post-13675084007226241152015-02-05T10:27:00.001-06:002015-02-05T10:40:42.591-06:00A perfect outfit feels like pajamas and looks like a million bucks<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wow! I've been gone from my blog a long time. I need to try to visit more often the rest of 2015 - which is already flying by! I do have some projects underway, but none are finished. I don't like to share until the project is finished, but finishing projects seems to take me longer every year!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's a confession. I have a closet <i>FULL </i>of clothes. A <i>big </i>closet. I love fashion. I'm all about a cute outfit that makes you feel good about the way you look. I love when I buy a new piece of clothing and find that it is the perfect thing I needed to pull together a great outfit when paired with other items I already own.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My mantra is, "A perfect outfit feels like pajamas and looks like a million bucks!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You should understand that, I'm also all about comfort. And the older I get the more important the comfort factor is to me, but I'm not willing to completely give up the <i>wow factor, </i>even if I am a grandmother. After all, I'm also still a woman and a <i>wife</i>. Gotta look good for SuperDave!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we got married (many years ago) I had a fairly limited wardrobe for a teenage girl. My new husband must of been surprised when he moved my stuff from my home to our apartment, because he asked if that was all the clothes I had. So I've been making up for that ever since. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QW_Fk0Dua4E/VNOT9ptujRI/AAAAAAAAFts/9Qz62NTywHM/s1600/winking%2Bsmiley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QW_Fk0Dua4E/VNOT9ptujRI/AAAAAAAAFts/9Qz62NTywHM/s1600/winking%2Bsmiley.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now if we move, he would be asking, "How many more clothes do you have?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes I buy something that seems awesome in the store, but when I wear it, it just isn't as great I thought. Case in point, this sweater I bought a few years ago. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NMWsy-elS1g/VNOUGbxyvUI/AAAAAAAAFuI/yTXCBhavWqM/s1600/IMG_3515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NMWsy-elS1g/VNOUGbxyvUI/AAAAAAAAFuI/yTXCBhavWqM/s1600/IMG_3515.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love this sweater, because</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">it's a great color - matches <i>almost </i>everything, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">it's long - <i>mid-thigh</i> long, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">it has patch pockets - very <i>handy </i>for keys or phone, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">it's warm - <i>snugly </i>on a cold February day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But, this furry collar is itchy and in my face. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GmdMvO8ZO18/VNOUFtupveI/AAAAAAAAFt8/e3F3bsZJjLg/s1600/IMG_3512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GmdMvO8ZO18/VNOUFtupveI/AAAAAAAAFt8/e3F3bsZJjLg/s1600/IMG_3512.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are times and places that I would put up with fur for the luxe look. But let's face it, most of the time when I leave the house I'm going to work. And sitting in front of a computer 8 hours with a fur ball around my neck doesn't meet the feels like pajamas rule. I don't want to <i>THINK </i>about my clothes during the day. I want to look good and not feel a pinch, or a bind, or an itchy fur collar.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bWN8lHgcyLE/VNOUFmMSfKI/AAAAAAAAFt4/fJLGQVZcNYw/s1600/IMG_3513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bWN8lHgcyLE/VNOUFmMSfKI/AAAAAAAAFt4/fJLGQVZcNYw/s1600/IMG_3513.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love that texture too!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, most every time I took the sweater out and put it on, I removed it and returned it to the closet. And I told myself, "I'm going to take that collar off." But modifying a piece of clothing I paid good money for is always a difficult step for me to take. Why? I don't know. I'm just like that.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I finally looked at it carefully and determined that I could remove the faux fur and if I wasn't happy I could easily sew it back on. A hazard of being a seamstress!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1BWUEsB-Lc/VNOUFZBPTaI/AAAAAAAAFt0/8half8m-b9I/s1600/IMG_3511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1BWUEsB-Lc/VNOUFZBPTaI/AAAAAAAAFt0/8half8m-b9I/s1600/IMG_3511.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Out came the seam ripper and in a few minutes the sweater had a regular collar that wasn't all up in my face (or itchy on the back of my neck). And once it was done, I was no longer thinking about my sweater at all!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EwIw9R9Rmb0/VNOUF4wMf2I/AAAAAAAAFuE/j6EsQhhOt5g/s1600/IMG_3514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EwIw9R9Rmb0/VNOUF4wMf2I/AAAAAAAAFuE/j6EsQhhOt5g/s1600/IMG_3514.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's just no point in having it at all if I keep putting it back in the closet. And of course I can always add buttons and loops if I want it to be convertible, but for now I think it's just fine with no fur.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stay safe and warm my friends! Spring is just around the corner, regardless of what a groundhog may have said on Monday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Much love and laughter,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>Laura</em></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/lauraleas/"><img alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" height="26" src="https://a248.e.akamai.net/passets.pinterest.com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="PJH Designs" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii556/pjhale52/TTbadge.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://jaysonandashley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/buttonashtor200.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Primitive and Proper" src="http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h323/theboldabode/PP-Button-Frame.gif" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae217/brambleberrycottage/800px-The_clock_tower_of_St_Mori-1.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em;" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/"><img alt="southern hospitality" src="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_17/custom/images/shbutton.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff438/kammyskorner/TtoTKammyKorner.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tq19w89B_3M/T2FLECh_MbI/AAAAAAAAJkM/_X2mHxdmtyc/s1600/THT%2BParty%2BButton-2.2.jpg" height="100" /></a> <img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/DebbieNewbiePartyButton2.png" height="100" /> <a href="http://cedarhillranch.blogspot.com/"><img border="”0”" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-khBouSKh5s0/UFzLfP6XA_I/AAAAAAAAXSk/y-erbWjMBTA/w286-h294-p-k/cowgirl%2Bup%2Bbutton%2B2012.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.restoreinteriors.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/restoreinteriors/RESTOREDITBLUE.png#34; alt=" height="100" restoreinteriors="restoreinteriors" /></a> <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YW52hcrOLTM/TLHquNnxegI/AAAAAAAAB3s/V9A46r_deRY/s1600/frenchframegfairy005b.jpg" height="100" /></a>
<center>
<a href="http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com/">http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com</a><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/">http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/">http://www.the36thavenue.com</a></div>
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/">http://betweennapsontheporch.net</a><br /><a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/">http://southernhospitalityblog.com</a><br /><div div="div" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net</div>
</center>
<br /><a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" /></a><br />
</center>
</div>
Sooner Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08758620131205853298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935431986434709452.post-74799408639516645292014-12-19T11:44:00.000-06:002014-12-19T11:44:07.967-06:00Christmas Throughout the Home<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My husband likes to tell people I decorate the entire house, every room, for Christmas. And for the most part that is true. But I'm not going to show you every tree in the house today. I have a small one in the guest bedroom, another on the stair landing, one in the master bedroom, one in the master bath, one in the family room. You get the idea. And that's not counting the ceramic one in the kitchen, the Pfaltzgraff cookie jar or the little Christmas tree lamp in the guest bathroom.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But it looks a lot like Christmas in <i>almost </i>every room of our home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's the mantle in the <b><i>not</i> </b>formal living room.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OZkF8v4b-tw/VJH9QGnnObI/AAAAAAAAFq4/r6kl_qrd9PE/s1600/DSC_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OZkF8v4b-tw/VJH9QGnnObI/AAAAAAAAFq4/r6kl_qrd9PE/s1600/DSC_0089.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Where the stocking are hung by the chimney with care. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But the nativity is the focal point.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ARX84HT8cTE/VJH9QSNr-_I/AAAAAAAAFq8/OFjQhgBiQmA/s1600/DSC_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ARX84HT8cTE/VJH9QSNr-_I/AAAAAAAAFq8/OFjQhgBiQmA/s1600/DSC_0090.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <i><b>not </b></i>formal dining room is joyful and fun. I call them <i><b>not</b></i> formal because there are no formal rooms in our house, just comfortable ones.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4AIaF2hxX40/VJH9QXQkGtI/AAAAAAAAFrA/75j8wZ0mnuU/s1600/DSC_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4AIaF2hxX40/VJH9QXQkGtI/AAAAAAAAFrA/75j8wZ0mnuU/s1600/DSC_0099.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My decorating style is eclectic for sure, a collection of things I love.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bright, shiny and sparkling things that I love!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uq4JWuiEqSA/VJH9SnxwQoI/AAAAAAAAFrc/sUx5DNVlZRE/s1600/DSC_0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uq4JWuiEqSA/VJH9SnxwQoI/AAAAAAAAFrc/sUx5DNVlZRE/s1600/DSC_0101.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PsMYIh1UQEQ/VJH9S_rN00I/AAAAAAAAFrg/WnqLHgn42Q4/s1600/DSC_0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PsMYIh1UQEQ/VJH9S_rN00I/AAAAAAAAFrg/WnqLHgn42Q4/s1600/DSC_0104.JPG" height="640" width="420" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The true meaning of Christmas is front and center as you step into the foyer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-48LcB_a7ACM/VJH9VRSitJI/AAAAAAAAFsE/lgRuDA9Bpt0/s1600/DSC_0107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-48LcB_a7ACM/VJH9VRSitJI/AAAAAAAAFsE/lgRuDA9Bpt0/s1600/DSC_0107.jpg" height="366" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I added an ivory and gold ribbon to the stair garland this year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It says, Holy One, Good Shepherd, Son of God, etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YiaDbV1IMMQ/VJH9UJIvmdI/AAAAAAAAFr0/X7ANojmAAWM/s1600/DSC_0110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YiaDbV1IMMQ/VJH9UJIvmdI/AAAAAAAAFr0/X7ANojmAAWM/s1600/DSC_0110.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I put our vintage homemade stockings along the staircase because I bought new ones for the living room last year that hold more goodies and match the tree skirt.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ETsnt-hDPrs/VJH9U5D6vLI/AAAAAAAAFsA/K1CjKZCc5Lc/s1600/DSC_0113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ETsnt-hDPrs/VJH9U5D6vLI/AAAAAAAAFsA/K1CjKZCc5Lc/s1600/DSC_0113.jpg" height="640" width="422" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The breakfast room is ready for guests with the cross stitch table cloth that was a gift from my Mom, a tray that was a gift from a neighbor many years ago and these beautiful silver deer that I adore. And more Joyful wishes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UHUsXG42lMQ/VJH9VVjtTzI/AAAAAAAAFsM/QFbvJJuYtVI/s1600/DSC_0114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UHUsXG42lMQ/VJH9VVjtTzI/AAAAAAAAFsM/QFbvJJuYtVI/s1600/DSC_0114.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our family room tree is filled with some of the oldest ornaments we own. Many of them are from the years when my kids were small and nothing breakable was on the tree. <i>Except </i>this porcelain angel that I've had on a tree in our house since the early 1980s, but she was up high so little hands couldn't reach her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dLVYw5kIQHk/VJH9V6eWOxI/AAAAAAAAFsU/2Q3fSl5fjNQ/s1600/DSC_0120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dLVYw5kIQHk/VJH9V6eWOxI/AAAAAAAAFsU/2Q3fSl5fjNQ/s1600/DSC_0120.jpg" height="640" width="422" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've even got my desk at work decorated for Christmas! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After all, I spend 40 hours a week here.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NgrgIK-PrWg/VJH9WLh7YCI/AAAAAAAAFsc/8YFZ_mWwook/s1600/IMG_3353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NgrgIK-PrWg/VJH9WLh7YCI/AAAAAAAAFsc/8YFZ_mWwook/s1600/IMG_3353.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope you all have a blessed and joyful Christmas filled with love and family.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Joy to the World!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>Laura</em></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/lauraleas/"><img alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" height="26" src="https://a248.e.akamai.net/passets.pinterest.com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="PJH Designs" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii556/pjhale52/TTbadge.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://jaysonandashley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/buttonashtor200.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Primitive and Proper" src="http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h323/theboldabode/PP-Button-Frame.gif" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae217/brambleberrycottage/800px-The_clock_tower_of_St_Mori-1.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em;" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/"><img alt="southern hospitality" src="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_17/custom/images/shbutton.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff438/kammyskorner/TtoTKammyKorner.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tq19w89B_3M/T2FLECh_MbI/AAAAAAAAJkM/_X2mHxdmtyc/s1600/THT%2BParty%2BButton-2.2.jpg" height="100" /></a> <img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/DebbieNewbiePartyButton2.png" height="100" /> <a href="http://cedarhillranch.blogspot.com/"><img border="”0”" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-khBouSKh5s0/UFzLfP6XA_I/AAAAAAAAXSk/y-erbWjMBTA/w286-h294-p-k/cowgirl%2Bup%2Bbutton%2B2012.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.restoreinteriors.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/restoreinteriors/RESTOREDITBLUE.png#34; alt=" height="100" restoreinteriors="restoreinteriors" /></a> <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YW52hcrOLTM/TLHquNnxegI/AAAAAAAAB3s/V9A46r_deRY/s1600/frenchframegfairy005b.jpg" height="100" /></a>
<center>
<a href="http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com/">http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com</a><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/">http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/">http://www.the36thavenue.com</a></div>
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/">http://betweennapsontheporch.net</a><br /><a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/">http://southernhospitalityblog.com</a><br /><div div="div" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net</div>
</center>
<br /><a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" /></a><br />
</center>
</div>
Sooner Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08758620131205853298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935431986434709452.post-66217313663474205602014-12-17T15:41:00.002-06:002014-12-17T15:47:10.330-06:00Decking the Halls<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My Christmas decorating is done, as usual I have decked the halls and then some! The last two things were the train around the big tree and the angel on top. Since I couldn't reach, that had to wait until SuperDave was feeling better after shoulder surgery. It is done and that's a good thing since it's December 17th!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ewfRzUWR90U/VJH5XZxHD5I/AAAAAAAAFqM/YS7EcdwIIhg/s1600/DSC_0083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ewfRzUWR90U/VJH5XZxHD5I/AAAAAAAAFqM/YS7EcdwIIhg/s1600/DSC_0083.jpg" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most of the Christmas decorating didn't change much this year. The same decorations, in <i>mostly </i>the same arrangement. It sparkles and glows and makes my heart happy just the same.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sHeERlkYubE/VJH5geu9M0I/AAAAAAAAFqc/Bg2m4ifWyXo/s1600/DSC_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sHeERlkYubE/VJH5geu9M0I/AAAAAAAAFqc/Bg2m4ifWyXo/s1600/DSC_0092.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hqUNxJmtoso/VJH5fKvHPXI/AAAAAAAAFqU/SLviNGbXalc/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hqUNxJmtoso/VJH5fKvHPXI/AAAAAAAAFqU/SLviNGbXalc/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RHzH4ZtwxSw/VJH5gi-DVoI/AAAAAAAAFqg/C2I9Qh0iAac/s1600/DSC_0094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RHzH4ZtwxSw/VJH5gi-DVoI/AAAAAAAAFqg/C2I9Qh0iAac/s1600/DSC_0094.jpg" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I showed you our master <a href="http://lifebeginsatfortysomething.blogspot.com/2014/12/countdown-to-christmas.html">bedroom tree</a> a few days ago. I added something new in the master bedroom this year - winter bedding. I bought myself an early present of flannel sheets and duvet cover by Eddie Bauer. This bed is very snugly on a cold winter night, it will definitely make you say Merry Christmas to all and to all a GOOD NIGHT!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VsGeVgFcMMU/VJHxL7SwrlI/AAAAAAAAFpo/sHW6KMujdNM/s1600/IMG_3337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VsGeVgFcMMU/VJHxL7SwrlI/AAAAAAAAFpo/sHW6KMujdNM/s1600/IMG_3337.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I LOVE red and was worried about finding something red that would work in our <a href="http://lifebeginsatfortysomething.blogspot.com/2013/03/master-bedroom-keeping-it-real-reveal.html">bedroom</a> with the blue walls. But I found this flannel red and cream plaid that has a light blue stripe and it's perfect! It really makes the bedroom look 'dressed' for Christmas! I got inspired by Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch and her beautiful plaid bedding. Now on my project list for my Christmas break is a dust ruffle for our bed. Your can see her gorgeous bedroom <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/ralph-lauren-inspired-tartan-plaid-bedroom/">here</a>. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IwpTHHbjdSM/VJHxL4_JZiI/AAAAAAAAFps/M8ahw80wQCE/s1600/IMG_3332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IwpTHHbjdSM/VJHxL4_JZiI/AAAAAAAAFps/M8ahw80wQCE/s1600/IMG_3332.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It makes me want stay to stay in bed until 10 a.m. everyday! Okay, maybe I already wanted to do that, but this makes my bed even more inviting on a cold winter morning. If I only had a fireplace in the bedroom....with a remote control.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enter the master bath and you'll find the room of my home where my beach obsession is indulged year round. This year I added two ornaments to the tree I always decorate with shells I picked up on the beach. I got two new ornaments in Santa Cruz on vacation and they were perfect for this tree. I also couldn't resist this nutcracker sporting his swim trunks and bare feet with his bucket of shells and umbrella drink. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OwhuQ2DbiK8/VJHzT7_2udI/AAAAAAAAFp8/12vhnB6MyaQ/s1600/IMG_3351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OwhuQ2DbiK8/VJHzT7_2udI/AAAAAAAAFp8/12vhnB6MyaQ/s1600/IMG_3351.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm thinking about adding some sand around his feet so he can have his toes in the sand at Christmas time, even if I can't! Oh well, I can have my toes my the fire while I sit by the beautiful Christmas tree and that's wonderful too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Merry Christmas,</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>Laura</em></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/lauraleas/"><img alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" height="26" src="https://a248.e.akamai.net/passets.pinterest.com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="PJH Designs" src="http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii556/pjhale52/TTbadge.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://jaysonandashley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/buttonashtor200.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Primitive and Proper" src="http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h323/theboldabode/PP-Button-Frame.gif" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae217/brambleberrycottage/800px-The_clock_tower_of_St_Mori-1.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em;" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/"><img alt="southern hospitality" src="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_17/custom/images/shbutton.png" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff438/kammyskorner/TtoTKammyKorner.jpg" height="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tq19w89B_3M/T2FLECh_MbI/AAAAAAAAJkM/_X2mHxdmtyc/s1600/THT%2BParty%2BButton-2.2.jpg" height="100" /></a> <img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/DebbieNewbiePartyButton2.png" height="100" /> <a href="http://cedarhillranch.blogspot.com/"><img border="”0”" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-khBouSKh5s0/UFzLfP6XA_I/AAAAAAAAXSk/y-erbWjMBTA/w286-h294-p-k/cowgirl%2Bup%2Bbutton%2B2012.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.restoreinteriors.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/restoreinteriors/RESTOREDITBLUE.png#34; alt=" height="100" restoreinteriors="restoreinteriors" /></a> <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YW52hcrOLTM/TLHquNnxegI/AAAAAAAAB3s/V9A46r_deRY/s1600/frenchframegfairy005b.jpg" height="100" /></a>
<center>
<a href="http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com/">http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com</a><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/">http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/">http://www.the36thavenue.com</a></div>
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/">http://betweennapsontheporch.net</a><br /><a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/">http://southernhospitalityblog.com</a><br /><div div="div" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net</div>
</center>
<br /><a border="0" href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SavvySouthernWOWButtonReverse.png" /></a><br />
</center>
</div>
Sooner Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08758620131205853298noreply@blogger.com2