tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25213083451084542052023-11-15T23:24:18.294-08:00The Full Measurekatie {the full measure}http://www.blogger.com/profile/05760249299635835759noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2521308345108454205.post-84635424451489869932013-09-06T10:30:00.001-07:002013-09-06T10:30:39.875-07:00Styling for Early Fall with Edit by Lauren and Harman Ebner FineryRemember Christmas morning as a kid, when you woke up early to run to the tree and spy the goodies peeking beneath the branches? I felt like that this morning as I checked my Instagram feed to find a gem of a link from Lauren Lefevre of the beautiful blog <a href="http://editbylaurenblog.com/harman-ebner-finery" target="_blank">Edit by Lauren</a>. A prolific stylist and all-around super person, Lauren created four different looks around three <a href="http://harmanebner.com/" target="_blank">Harman Ebner Finery</a> clutches from the most recent collection...and I had goosebumps when I saw them. Goose. Bumps.<br />
<br />
My goal when designing HEF clutches is for them to be endlessly stylish and practical while toting your necessities. I'm absolutely over-the-moon about how Lauren styled the clutches to show just that. I especially love how she incorporated pieces just right for our early Fall days still filled with sunshine, but tempered with a bit of crisp breeze. Longer length sleeves and hemlines, as well as close-toed shoes, lend a hand in prepping for Fall. <br />
<br />
I encourage you to wander over to the Edit by Lauren blog and check out her amazing photos and advice. (*Readers will also receive a 25% discount on all HEF clutches with the coupon code LAUREN!)<br />
<br />
Thank you for your inspiration, lovely Lauren!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3dNlC8n9BMTBV2ojMuN5ynDB0JbMzOuwvoO9YDP_XtRvmxWbzA0QkWRjJMP2DjOZChHRWj81F3ClAu3XU_GLVyX4tLzYxWoY3JmbCzde0BLolM2AHDpB2nhX3swvjSf1Q-ZollNkdLgD/s1600/Screen-shot-2013-09-05-at-5.50.52-PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3dNlC8n9BMTBV2ojMuN5ynDB0JbMzOuwvoO9YDP_XtRvmxWbzA0QkWRjJMP2DjOZChHRWj81F3ClAu3XU_GLVyX4tLzYxWoY3JmbCzde0BLolM2AHDpB2nhX3swvjSf1Q-ZollNkdLgD/s1600/Screen-shot-2013-09-05-at-5.50.52-PM.png" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIGbv2QAObSXU3AMmvmxYPjiWayazrdMaGW_KpWXFnp580H2dtvH69mTxhQOnj_jhWdlJZjdOiJCwtEsXkk5mAYgZL6obwOU5BYg-znswqphJMgSfCSDQJFvr28lTlX8TTNRpZSade3bE/s1600/Screen-shot-2013-09-05-at-5.52.24-PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIGbv2QAObSXU3AMmvmxYPjiWayazrdMaGW_KpWXFnp580H2dtvH69mTxhQOnj_jhWdlJZjdOiJCwtEsXkk5mAYgZL6obwOU5BYg-znswqphJMgSfCSDQJFvr28lTlX8TTNRpZSade3bE/s1600/Screen-shot-2013-09-05-at-5.52.24-PM.png" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpxRCOJW3y2w-bbr6wXmsuuhF3_6Dyj-IXW2-236_dN1YegCpgykF77kVla8RzBqp0mOfa0xDMhGBsUe0KzSUxeXckdCW6HcGDZ01lAKYtvc0JEZWvp7Ef1eTiT9mkwqac-UICyEt1PYT/s1600/Screen-shot-2013-09-05-at-5.53.24-PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpxRCOJW3y2w-bbr6wXmsuuhF3_6Dyj-IXW2-236_dN1YegCpgykF77kVla8RzBqp0mOfa0xDMhGBsUe0KzSUxeXckdCW6HcGDZ01lAKYtvc0JEZWvp7Ef1eTiT9mkwqac-UICyEt1PYT/s1600/Screen-shot-2013-09-05-at-5.53.24-PM.png" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNPwsj6BODyv94PaHGQE4xJ-kLltuYAWzd_joacoGtgP-xzLNUeVDD52A7ty9sHOWGhailBrbvPEVRBfwY-JoxmNt9oNAclU8-1uQ311zgAwnGEJx6iD5BpqdBJu-bqZN-R7AEnKNspbX/s1600/Screen-shot-2013-09-05-at-5.54.56-PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNPwsj6BODyv94PaHGQE4xJ-kLltuYAWzd_joacoGtgP-xzLNUeVDD52A7ty9sHOWGhailBrbvPEVRBfwY-JoxmNt9oNAclU8-1uQ311zgAwnGEJx6iD5BpqdBJu-bqZN-R7AEnKNspbX/s1600/Screen-shot-2013-09-05-at-5.54.56-PM.png" /></a></div><br />
katie {the full measure}http://www.blogger.com/profile/05760249299635835759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2521308345108454205.post-90382772307099716512013-03-01T14:14:00.001-08:002013-03-01T22:23:45.619-08:00Renewal (and Fashion Friday)Hello friends...it's me, your long-lost/fair-weather blogger. Good grief, four months is quite an absence and yet I feel like it's gone by in a flash. Like a shooting star with a tremendous arch. These past four months have seen some ups and downs. I'm immensely excited that it's the first day of March, though. Spring is the ideal time for a fresh perspective. Since the beginning of January though, I've known this was to be my year of renewal...to re-focus my lens and start fresh from a new vantage point. And while I've been aiming for the right shot (to continue with my "camera" analogy), I've simply forgot to post. Until now.<br />
<br />
Without trivializing the marvelous complexities of personal renewal, my inspiration was tapped after a fashion project...namely a pair of heels in need of a second chance. Last January (2012), while in Las Vegas for the Miss America Pageant, I wore a brand new pair of blue suede heels to a luncheon. Every heel-wearer worth her salt has taken the opportunity to slip said pair of heels off while dining, as the tablecloth typically provides the perfect shade for a brief tootsie respite. When I sat down to dine, I shed one of my heels to stretch my toes. To my dismay, I felt a patch of liquid beneath my foot and slight panic set in. Sure enough, the restaurant's carpet had been freshly cleaned that morning, meaning dampness was inevitable. Upon closer inspection of my new shoes, the liquid had stained the suede. Double disappointment at my carelessness and the ruin of a pair of heels that would have made Elvis proud.<br />
<br />
I suddenly wondered if I could replace the heels. And just like that, 6pm.com (the sister outlet site of Zappos.com) answered the call. Amazingly, I was able to snag the last pair in my size of the beloved blue suede heels...for 70% off what I originally paid. The heavens parted and the angels sang.<br />
<br />
But what to do with the identical pair of perfectly wearable, but hopelessly stained heels? They couldn't be consigned and I wouldn't dare pawn them off on a friend. Perhaps I could repurpose them? And then I spied these Chanel beauties on the feet of a celebrity...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrqacPCfitAUdvSFeusfm-LdOIWPUV2oD549XDSeJwtousLeWUM1JeukLVYhLbkN4LeP3W2XdEoZ9njMiyj_t3q3tbc75puX2PNiwFyZylNEPWgJQ2NB9-wF4yOk3BYlUu4v_GI1yb0NQ/s1600/91409aea91904d43_332f19cdc7c39d37_162492817.xxxlarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrqacPCfitAUdvSFeusfm-LdOIWPUV2oD549XDSeJwtousLeWUM1JeukLVYhLbkN4LeP3W2XdEoZ9njMiyj_t3q3tbc75puX2PNiwFyZylNEPWgJQ2NB9-wF4yOk3BYlUu4v_GI1yb0NQ/s320/91409aea91904d43_332f19cdc7c39d37_162492817.xxxlarge.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>
<br />
Eureka!!!<br />
<br />
My quest to repurpose the blue suede babies started with my own supply of leather paint (check out the painted leather handbags I have for sale in <a href="http://www.harmanebner.com/" target="_blank">my shop</a>), a bottle of black suede dye and painters tape. I set forth armed with <a href="http://apairandasparediy.com/2012/03/diy-neon-yellow-cap-toe-heels.html" target="_blank">this tutorial</a> from one of my favorite blogs (recall <a href="http://www.thefullmeasure.blogspot.com/2012/07/add-just-dash-of-neon.html" target="_blank">this necklace project</a> from the same blog). It turned out to be a messy endeavor (expected), but WELL worth it. I got exactly the result I had hoped for...and a newer pair of new heels.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_HM8Op6vWBrMsCrQXU6rTPhrPXhExpZCKtvfANkgvYKZ_IALx26PHTJ9Q0I4enA18puO1FlORHdqpgnyD66yMXKTnJXRjQte3lGJpy9AG_n477c9Psq-_elUajzmSJpyyzVtLvEzmPn1/s1600/IMG_3061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_HM8Op6vWBrMsCrQXU6rTPhrPXhExpZCKtvfANkgvYKZ_IALx26PHTJ9Q0I4enA18puO1FlORHdqpgnyD66yMXKTnJXRjQte3lGJpy9AG_n477c9Psq-_elUajzmSJpyyzVtLvEzmPn1/s320/IMG_3061.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_BU72K00HpXgT59FviVsURwWvqBGIuRa51798BoDlyPwivvreum25CRy3rIxW0lhf6zClBQeoBCNu1u7XSrBEVEHHflXQu9OK0DOBhpVmGsCjGW7EBvpfZGtiBa-AQ-7qc3GKU8-gkmE/s1600/IMG_3099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_BU72K00HpXgT59FviVsURwWvqBGIuRa51798BoDlyPwivvreum25CRy3rIxW0lhf6zClBQeoBCNu1u7XSrBEVEHHflXQu9OK0DOBhpVmGsCjGW7EBvpfZGtiBa-AQ-7qc3GKU8-gkmE/s320/IMG_3099.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiHecx9syMFYy7vBqPHTg_W6duGYTvk3eC5xyuDHUF0g9VvG4gIsHK4fvBg4-SVJiyBfiCvt1wyovunoqOsLJvtoNO9ABYdhCR-Bz5Y5kHut_1NP35fX7vgzJWnwxx4y2AD2H8DJNV_ZN/s1600/IMG_3131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiHecx9syMFYy7vBqPHTg_W6duGYTvk3eC5xyuDHUF0g9VvG4gIsHK4fvBg4-SVJiyBfiCvt1wyovunoqOsLJvtoNO9ABYdhCR-Bz5Y5kHut_1NP35fX7vgzJWnwxx4y2AD2H8DJNV_ZN/s320/IMG_3131.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jQuBmc8i2KQkCC58nNq25PF2rCWONU5ww_ofWPtfc0xKM_uJVrxtM_d4jb9JqPYAWzh8hJ8I6cYeWKLoBCzAOYy-vf-14PfC5hdxiniebU_kaes5XLqaN_JMknn3utq61kzx4o3N_MO1/s1600/IMG_3137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jQuBmc8i2KQkCC58nNq25PF2rCWONU5ww_ofWPtfc0xKM_uJVrxtM_d4jb9JqPYAWzh8hJ8I6cYeWKLoBCzAOYy-vf-14PfC5hdxiniebU_kaes5XLqaN_JMknn3utq61kzx4o3N_MO1/s320/IMG_3137.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7xf6z6_Y9Eq9kaLiTDStDawAbbfw7GprXhyh2vLg4af5W5DvvB0lvB0-C9eRoEAgc0-atU94GvNxwahpY74_MHa_0YkbSAcSGbPiUculLovYlMhgl7Hb9sV1magH_yh5w3EoLqAUz-OF/s1600/IMG_3147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7xf6z6_Y9Eq9kaLiTDStDawAbbfw7GprXhyh2vLg4af5W5DvvB0lvB0-C9eRoEAgc0-atU94GvNxwahpY74_MHa_0YkbSAcSGbPiUculLovYlMhgl7Hb9sV1magH_yh5w3EoLqAUz-OF/s320/IMG_3147.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5oL5Ut_mTUppdVcVzQUzG5Lxh_-tmf3v4s46zGMwgiE0Ulrl91ZG5o2n6y5J0ev_L5OCv_iKjz-hr7XK7Qf1q28HgBvzWInsn5ndziTBA43qTXv8UI5TWJ80YrhMODNbwVhHkpcWkpOG/s1600/IMG_3162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5oL5Ut_mTUppdVcVzQUzG5Lxh_-tmf3v4s46zGMwgiE0Ulrl91ZG5o2n6y5J0ev_L5OCv_iKjz-hr7XK7Qf1q28HgBvzWInsn5ndziTBA43qTXv8UI5TWJ80YrhMODNbwVhHkpcWkpOG/s320/IMG_3162.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xHd6qypt9usHaQJ2OuQuAzCM-pLlm8bxCiUwkRmYInUktLG3yXOqmkY5yKdFGBtjoSBTaVMZt_ZsMMUE9kn9tnhmCiUmoziL1I8fv72_v7Mt90zB2V4q3yNztAJIwigYTAcY1lWnGOyr/s1600/IMG_7688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xHd6qypt9usHaQJ2OuQuAzCM-pLlm8bxCiUwkRmYInUktLG3yXOqmkY5yKdFGBtjoSBTaVMZt_ZsMMUE9kn9tnhmCiUmoziL1I8fv72_v7Mt90zB2V4q3yNztAJIwigYTAcY1lWnGOyr/s400/IMG_7688.jpg" width="338" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Amazing what a little renewal can do for your soul and your soles.</div>
katie {the full measure}http://www.blogger.com/profile/05760249299635835759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2521308345108454205.post-75625503346025414652012-10-26T01:22:00.001-07:002012-10-26T07:06:30.287-07:00A Fearless Hero: Caitlyn's Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The mere mention of cancer strikes fear into the hearts of most within earshot. An initial fear almost paralyzing; one driven by the unknown and the mystery that swaths what we truly know about the disease. The human condition knows much of fear. We battle it on a daily basis, especially as we navigate a world racked with heart wrenching pain, suffering and sorrow - circumstances we can't explain and horrors we can't begin to understand. There is a wrinkle in the fabric of fear, though; a flaw or "point of fatigue" where it's strength is easily overcome...by hope. Powerful, mighty, enduring hope.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hope is the true antidote to fear. Or the light that rips through frail fibers revealing fear's unnecessary presence in our lives. It fuels joy and builds faith. God's promise in Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) illuminates the evidence of hope in our lives:<b> “</b><b>For</b><b> I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the presence of cancer, hope should be wielded like a sword, and I know one such warrior who understands precisely how to swing it.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEv4XrroP3bspKX9DB65VnV7s5lIEYySZwzAOqbcuCDSTwdrv2bZ8d1YukWHuuJ_PYg7JRCM0UBNW-u964sNUELOJIWoyL3TowlXaH6smv_grbDiaWQ3FumUXYZr_dT65tLC9QI5Oc3pV/s1600/caitlyn-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEv4XrroP3bspKX9DB65VnV7s5lIEYySZwzAOqbcuCDSTwdrv2bZ8d1YukWHuuJ_PYg7JRCM0UBNW-u964sNUELOJIWoyL3TowlXaH6smv_grbDiaWQ3FumUXYZr_dT65tLC9QI5Oc3pV/s1600/caitlyn-33.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She stands a smidge over five feet tall, but has the countenance of a seven-foot-tall general at the front lines of battle…as well as the delicate grace of woman who truly understands the beauty and frailty of life. Her name is Caitlyn, and she is a beautiful young mother to three bouncing boys, as well as a wife to her loving husband, a musician and former English teacher, devoted daughter, caring friend, and Stage IV cancer patient. Caitlyn was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer at the age of 27, after watching her mother battle the disease and subsequent metastasis to other areas of her body for much of her young life. She discovered a lump in her breast while breastfeeding her third son, and was shortly thereafter wrestling with a doctor’s orders to wean her newborn son and begin aggressive treatment immediately.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She knew all too well the ravages of cancer while witnessing her mother’s decade-long battle with breast and ovarian cancer. Caitlyn’s mother, Christina, was a pillar in our small community; a woman admired and respected by all blessed to know her…and especially to hear her angelic voice. She was teeming with musical gifts! Christina’s unwavering commitment to her family, church and community earned her a reputation as a revered performer, teacher, mentor and leader…all the more solidified as she continued to heartily serve throughout her battle with cancer. With or without her gleaming blonde locks, Christina’s inner and outer beauty was a beacon of God’s love. Those in her presence couldn’t help but feel His powerful grip on her life. She demonstrated true faith: an unshakable acknowledgement that God always gives us a plan and a purpose, even if we don’t fully understand the trials and tribulations that accompany. Christina lived her life’s purpose and honored her Savior with verve and vivacity, shaking the ground with her ability to crush fear with hope. She proudly wore a necklace emblazoned with the word “fearlessness” on it, as a badge of honor knowing full well that she embodied what it meant to face cancer without fear.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Caitlyn’s life-course was altered immeasurably in just 14 short days. One week after her diagnosis, Caitlyn’s mother passed away. The following week, Caitlyn underwent a double mastectomy and began chemotherapy. Stories like this make any and every heart grieve; for no one person should ever bare the weight of so much suffering and sorrow…and yet Caitlyn was left to endure it, alongside her equally heartbroken family.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But Caitlyn’s story does in no means end there. A new chapter began when she chose to carry her mother’s torch by leading her church’s worship service two days after her mother’s passing – a powerful and profound acknowledgement that One had already endured a similarly horrendous heavy weight of suffering and sorrow for all of humanity, and given her hope and future. Her faith in Jesus Christ has given her the strength to carry on her mother’s legacy: to fight cancer with every ounce of hope in her being, and demonstrate to others – especially those three precious little boys of hers – that fear has no place in her cancer treatment. In fact, Caitlyn now wears her mother’s “fearlessness” necklace as a constant reminder of her choice to face cancer without fear. She is a fearless hero, navigating the murky, muddy waters of surgery, treatment and everyday life with an astonishingly bright beam of hope to light the way.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7mUwTycIBDCHsXtKRS3XljEo0lFKABtYlnnHq7XIzR9QOF36nWRrSlN8yQUwBjzCh2K2RntVDivmDytJt7uTjDswNohBg0VLhI6K0z5EtHMx7xpmhyphenhyphenkrLb1IBKgPWXUdK1eSJqKqQlNA/s1600/caitlyn-50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7mUwTycIBDCHsXtKRS3XljEo0lFKABtYlnnHq7XIzR9QOF36nWRrSlN8yQUwBjzCh2K2RntVDivmDytJt7uTjDswNohBg0VLhI6K0z5EtHMx7xpmhyphenhyphenkrLb1IBKgPWXUdK1eSJqKqQlNA/s1600/caitlyn-50.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let us strive, beyond our human weakness and proclivity for fear, to follow Caitlyn and Christina’s example and live a life overflowing with hope. In supporting our fearless heroes, we add wattage to their luminosity…a brilliance we desperately need in a world too often stricken with fear.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In honor of Caitlyn, Christina and those revered during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’ve paired with my friend Carrie Johnson, founder and owner of Style Me Perfect, to support our local Sky Lakes Cancer Center for the instillation of a new Linear Accelerator radiation therapy machine, desperately needed to provide cutting-edge and life-saving therapy to patients just like Caitlyn. Our businesses – <b><a href="http://www.style-me-perfect.com/" target="_blank">Style Me Perfect</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HarmanEbner" target="_blank">Harman Ebner Finery</a></b> – are holding a two-day fundraising event to provide support for <a href="http://www.kfallshero.org/" target="_blank">Sky Lakes Cancer Center’s “Be a Hero” Campaign</a>; raising awareness of the heroism of community members battling cancer and bolstering their treatment with the best and most effective cancer-fighting technology they so greatly deserve. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Throughout today, Friday, October 26<sup>th</sup> and tomorrow, Saturday, October 27<sup>th</sup>, 30% from the sales of all <a href="http://www.style-me-perfect.com/" target="_blank">styling packages</a> purchased through Style Me Perfect and all limited-edition <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/112918145/the-caitlyn-foldover-clutch-breast" target="_blank">“Caitlyn” clutches</a> handcrafted by Harman Ebner Finery will be donated to Sky Lakes Cancer Center in Caitlyn’s name – and in tribute to her enduring heroism.</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">We invite you to honor the loved ones and fearless heroes in your life by joining with us to support Sky Lakes Cancer Center. Together, let’s continue to </span><b style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">stamp out fear with HOPE</b><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKdvEUyxwFsRCAFqCHIx7vC-bbh0qt-NaEJKakfmQwukIsp53XQ3O0L79OCD_XOQ2EZnJB__a2xEsfKTjedfGq3Rz7Y0D_EPv8QEPl6lqALwmrjMAy9gmq5FNE7GJq-RYcFanIMlSSCQd/s1600/caitlyn-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKdvEUyxwFsRCAFqCHIx7vC-bbh0qt-NaEJKakfmQwukIsp53XQ3O0L79OCD_XOQ2EZnJB__a2xEsfKTjedfGq3Rz7Y0D_EPv8QEPl6lqALwmrjMAy9gmq5FNE7GJq-RYcFanIMlSSCQd/s1600/caitlyn-23.jpg" /></a></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/AVvXsEhMXnAX9qFFkCbb9CdAYEEO9W35i55d11SCRbvMqqbLw2qJV2vnhDSqvpkAj5vwTdkVeH3_P68dwCd9-babqyxSFsbm1ZDZlNQzC2VfP8XMeh7hY7rALj110mDzZ7sFnYlijS5Qv0UYJhSn/s1600/caitlyn-14-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXnAX9qFFkCbb9CdAYEEO9W35i55d11SCRbvMqqbLw2qJV2vnhDSqvpkAj5vwTdkVeH3_P68dwCd9-babqyxSFsbm1ZDZlNQzC2VfP8XMeh7hY7rALj110mDzZ7sFnYlijS5Qv0UYJhSn/s1600/caitlyn-14-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYM-U3ocJOywxBt9TAV7UgaVeXfWS6_vMC1zw35UuLnn7RDnMUFbZJ6iE1kOYOrVpLOaQhHsHq658FYw3ZxtMLfw8Rfq30HU6bx6fKC6AB_GbVK-B4KTBuO04gczuoqsUZzN_DJgidMd7n/s1600/caitlyn-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYM-U3ocJOywxBt9TAV7UgaVeXfWS6_vMC1zw35UuLnn7RDnMUFbZJ6iE1kOYOrVpLOaQhHsHq658FYw3ZxtMLfw8Rfq30HU6bx6fKC6AB_GbVK-B4KTBuO04gczuoqsUZzN_DJgidMd7n/s1600/caitlyn-15.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">{Caitlyn being styled by Carrie Johnson, founder and owner of Style Me Perfect. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Purchase your styling <span style="font-family: inherit;">package <b><a href="http://www.style-me-perfect.com/" target="_blank">here</a></b> and</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">support Caitlyn and other patients treated at Sky Lakes Cancer Center!}</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfPbgnpZMbMrbzoR6_UXEm5hkc65_OJh4z7vXjTFjbbBZhegRydtZxDJbfcRRWXnH72Ow0XQ9prR6GhqfVHvHxhNcK1i_P9v6EtVJSvlu-QF930Uif5v5zpVeuwtMVzWLVIABPb7vqa6x/s1600/caitlyn-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfPbgnpZMbMrbzoR6_UXEm5hkc65_OJh4z7vXjTFjbbBZhegRydtZxDJbfcRRWXnH72Ow0XQ9prR6GhqfVHvHxhNcK1i_P9v6EtVJSvlu-QF930Uif5v5zpVeuwtMVzWLVIABPb7vqa6x/s1600/caitlyn-24.jpg" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjkxIZEQhdnqXgDB62-OwZGDBq63DVN6h4HDlorqFj-2tUiQL1qfB7HKAc9WAOeXO9IGX0ZRF5b6kjTQCNBk0UmOvWLTZQ69T0Qx964q7rjMs1mGM8sJ67tiJp-D2N5nhekyMqvIqObyU/s1600/caitlyn-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjkxIZEQhdnqXgDB62-OwZGDBq63DVN6h4HDlorqFj-2tUiQL1qfB7HKAc9WAOeXO9IGX0ZRF5b6kjTQCNBk0UmOvWLTZQ69T0Qx964q7rjMs1mGM8sJ67tiJp-D2N5nhekyMqvIqObyU/s1600/caitlyn-31.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">{Caitlyn with her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/112918145/the-caitlyn-foldover-clutch-breast" target="_blank">namesake clutch</a> by Harman Ebner Finery, <br />emblazoned with the word “Fearless” throughout the interior.}</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>{All photos are the gift of Kelly Armijo from <a href="http://www.armijodesigns.com/" target="_blank">Armijo Designs</a>.}</i></span></div>
katie {the full measure}http://www.blogger.com/profile/05760249299635835759noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2521308345108454205.post-62216384020987375512012-08-28T14:59:00.000-07:002012-08-28T14:59:02.370-07:00Outdoor Movie NightI'm an August baby; born in the dog days of Summer when lasting rays of sunshine delight during the day and cool breezes swing at night. It's truly my favorite time of year in part because it seems to last forever. Last August my family tried something new and hosted a small outdoor movie night, which was perfect for soaking up those last drops of Summer before the kidlets headed back to school. This morning I was fondly reminded of that night while assembling school supplies for next week's start of the school year. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was the perfect little end of Summer celebration and I hope to carry it on as a tradition. The eaves of our old farmhouse's porte-cochère provided just the right space for a movie screen, while two pairs of friends brought a movie projector and beautiful smiles. We provided well-worn quilts to lay on the lawn, as well as a grilled dinner and plenty of popcorn. A string of vintage bulb lights provided just the right ambiance and plastic burger baskets and paper liners from Crate & Barrel held our goodies securely. When the sun finally settled into its resting place for the night, we sat back to enjoy Rodgers & Hammerstein's <i>The Sound of Music</i> under the stars. It was magical...and I'll remember it forever.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jK6qXmtnRafwGK1LiZSKPEamcdygbgeoQ8DkXxy800zbaQvuEZB3mUMDPYiqOPG3jxnp3xbD8UKKI0AByBsR1cNJ5ryUhgue0AEoLaUTyI-lJhmIAI6sktW1aJCiOd4HeSBOJSsZisTa/s1600/backyardmovie-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jK6qXmtnRafwGK1LiZSKPEamcdygbgeoQ8DkXxy800zbaQvuEZB3mUMDPYiqOPG3jxnp3xbD8UKKI0AByBsR1cNJ5ryUhgue0AEoLaUTyI-lJhmIAI6sktW1aJCiOd4HeSBOJSsZisTa/s640/backyardmovie-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPESCU53Xu06yzjToOpwvklxsC_ZqdbK2nFcvVpN_xeZpnU7ivGvS97LV6VIC1KMgJotAaFAnSCTGQmUjWyfWThMhfbHpsgBW66GNYYT0z-Os2GLIPSknOL6OqEACHpxJ3ZEYUJn5eeW8_/s1600/backyardmovie-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPESCU53Xu06yzjToOpwvklxsC_ZqdbK2nFcvVpN_xeZpnU7ivGvS97LV6VIC1KMgJotAaFAnSCTGQmUjWyfWThMhfbHpsgBW66GNYYT0z-Os2GLIPSknOL6OqEACHpxJ3ZEYUJn5eeW8_/s640/backyardmovie-4.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1emGvT3Z4LsBzZOoL4zxDUbs8Ql5wqZnzK-SsUM4ACDkHHXIMkiGZeTydTYVCTtF0A9t27SqvKDsP5nufX_jyICFMIpJhDu4_1pMjYKcfAoySZU44i-h3QrHSWWkuknkTc1KrL2M-dBHO/s1600/backyardmovie-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1emGvT3Z4LsBzZOoL4zxDUbs8Ql5wqZnzK-SsUM4ACDkHHXIMkiGZeTydTYVCTtF0A9t27SqvKDsP5nufX_jyICFMIpJhDu4_1pMjYKcfAoySZU44i-h3QrHSWWkuknkTc1KrL2M-dBHO/s640/backyardmovie-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLl3Zd4QaCFva4KcgpaYRPcL_9cIbPT30FXK0ZKY4tucPwJF6JxU-llOCvrTyiQHYmTH4ZbdB6WphGm8ozFGKhAAmDw6VFRLc4Sj-rcMQngRosIAy4wFWkW2ctZl_46-uqrt-KCzY3IW9s/s1600/backyardmovie-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLl3Zd4QaCFva4KcgpaYRPcL_9cIbPT30FXK0ZKY4tucPwJF6JxU-llOCvrTyiQHYmTH4ZbdB6WphGm8ozFGKhAAmDw6VFRLc4Sj-rcMQngRosIAy4wFWkW2ctZl_46-uqrt-KCzY3IW9s/s640/backyardmovie-17.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7KcBXwG1fsXasDZNO2maVIAopPQD5BhelnQDmvYWL_6_reLOnjmuKy4Hxi25ZEGCCb3LYq6PVmOXb0C9JQSXGO7O2n9XiiKGMISRJ8sdWlpTHHTYK-hK4H55SC6HGcyvFq-JB7KXXGhV/s1600/backyardmovie-19-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7KcBXwG1fsXasDZNO2maVIAopPQD5BhelnQDmvYWL_6_reLOnjmuKy4Hxi25ZEGCCb3LYq6PVmOXb0C9JQSXGO7O2n9XiiKGMISRJ8sdWlpTHHTYK-hK4H55SC6HGcyvFq-JB7KXXGhV/s640/backyardmovie-19-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCTSfugwCBZfoVc9CJ7HnklNMFwORxyV_MZwHv6YDXcJ-JtQTow-QVFLPSrd1gEzG3mH16DiS4DY-Y6YJQkP2bODRHgnJpLX_ZwECc7T81HhumfgC0eG2U01y4h-lJ_pYiBoypyuDpYhq/s1600/backyardmovie-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCTSfugwCBZfoVc9CJ7HnklNMFwORxyV_MZwHv6YDXcJ-JtQTow-QVFLPSrd1gEzG3mH16DiS4DY-Y6YJQkP2bODRHgnJpLX_ZwECc7T81HhumfgC0eG2U01y4h-lJ_pYiBoypyuDpYhq/s640/backyardmovie-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1-oINYoEOKbu1wEYz06ASWj6lWpKPhtbb9MLOH_ktuXjZjV2CDycN2GtmLWAUTRUH9NrUnknaLkZEx2PcvdOOZ_psXxIx-8wkUpvIES2nOIX7C6DFZq2wgILv_D53XfEaegklADcmfxq/s1600/backyardmovie-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1-oINYoEOKbu1wEYz06ASWj6lWpKPhtbb9MLOH_ktuXjZjV2CDycN2GtmLWAUTRUH9NrUnknaLkZEx2PcvdOOZ_psXxIx-8wkUpvIES2nOIX7C6DFZq2wgILv_D53XfEaegklADcmfxq/s640/backyardmovie-15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplmhntkry0HuopZlD0ZXeWxUwkn0Oj5Y3HKrwZnbwOCM6kiIG2RY6PM2HZeQDBbeQDfsmAUxWH9zLREsYoesX77JJjyE5Mx3euFwkEGpK7kK8MY9ZxJ837Gn9kHJGGBy6wRS8XK9dcnvh/s1600/backyardmovie-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplmhntkry0HuopZlD0ZXeWxUwkn0Oj5Y3HKrwZnbwOCM6kiIG2RY6PM2HZeQDBbeQDfsmAUxWH9zLREsYoesX77JJjyE5Mx3euFwkEGpK7kK8MY9ZxJ837Gn9kHJGGBy6wRS8XK9dcnvh/s640/backyardmovie-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDBhjeRAQo8sSxrEoA7-j-0PmadzU2QepswrlntaVqNt_Q662-J7u4EEA1JunkzKdnt6lnUb6dmatdrUrhG6sCEHOxqEw3lAcD2BNEHktQMWT8I5EoU6w9xKu2s86ts8BZlB0ZTGsbIxq/s1600/backyardmovie-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDBhjeRAQo8sSxrEoA7-j-0PmadzU2QepswrlntaVqNt_Q662-J7u4EEA1JunkzKdnt6lnUb6dmatdrUrhG6sCEHOxqEw3lAcD2BNEHktQMWT8I5EoU6w9xKu2s86ts8BZlB0ZTGsbIxq/s640/backyardmovie-20.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{BIG thanks to marvelous friend Kelly Armijo for capturing the evening with her delicious photos!}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
katie {the full measure}http://www.blogger.com/profile/05760249299635835759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2521308345108454205.post-37859672997931848202012-07-14T12:07:00.003-07:002012-07-14T13:28:34.118-07:00Add just a dash of neon...What a colorful summer this is shaping up to be! My break from writing the last few months has been the result of a handful of exciting projects and travels...please forgive my absence, but I promise to share details in the weeks to come. Cross my heart.<br />
<br />
I'm dubbing this the "summer of inspiration" to reflect the many things seemingly popping up around me that cause my imagination to whirl...so many inspirational people sharing their talents, so much bloom in nature and adjacent growth in my own family, such a paintbox of colors currently hitting their stride in fashion, and an unlimited number of ways to improve our lives and those around us in the world. This inspiration has fueled my need to DIY...as if I need more fuel. My hubs quietly observes me transform open surfaces in our home into a whirling dervish of craft space bits at a time, but never blows the whistle to stop. He's such a patient fella.<br />
<br />
I never thought I'd be transfixed by neon colors the way I was back in 1987, sporting my neon green bike shorts with a side-knotted tee. And while I'm grateful to say I won't be re-visiting that outfit again, I am amazed at the ways a pop of neon can update a neutral palette. I'll admit I was slow to embrace the neon trend of SS12, given my past history (sends a shudder), but as I've watched others - especially the slew of talented fashion bloggers on the web - seamlessly add brights to their wardrobes, I happily jumped back on the bandwagon.<br />
<br />
One such blogger, who I find immensely creative and just flat out cool, is Geneva from <a href="http://apair-andaspare.blogspot.com/">A Pair and A Spare</a>. She's an Australian now living in Hong Kong, churning out fashionable DIY like no one else. About a year ago, she posted a project where she had transformed a thrifted necklace into a trendy treasure with a few coats of neon spray paint.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMom8HlcxBZ5LR3Q5KmqDgwqqcYI8DU08HwztIO5r6f52QXGlBSPdCgNe0eC07j3fz1OSNtHCQuHlOf61cQL6kSHau4funZQ8RlBCfqR3bA5-IZP4gYjeu9rhPFaSYvN1knG2NhUw7vNig/s1600/apairandaspareneonshapenecklace1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMom8HlcxBZ5LR3Q5KmqDgwqqcYI8DU08HwztIO5r6f52QXGlBSPdCgNe0eC07j3fz1OSNtHCQuHlOf61cQL6kSHau4funZQ8RlBCfqR3bA5-IZP4gYjeu9rhPFaSYvN1knG2NhUw7vNig/s320/apairandaspareneonshapenecklace1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv45gmJt63Z98iD3rfoNZPUhJwoxVkuCYzwMOCj4H5HveeCPdWTQGUMG_bB5MTqm59kvY0VUnLNY-_txApFxtYMV-KS0EgRZRM64BF_1cTM4vMsBChvNBHDJF2Wt1G0h0fsZljl3ZqUeDw/s1600/apairandaspareneonshapenecklace6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv45gmJt63Z98iD3rfoNZPUhJwoxVkuCYzwMOCj4H5HveeCPdWTQGUMG_bB5MTqm59kvY0VUnLNY-_txApFxtYMV-KS0EgRZRM64BF_1cTM4vMsBChvNBHDJF2Wt1G0h0fsZljl3ZqUeDw/s320/apairandaspareneonshapenecklace6.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Find Geneva's project <a href="http://apair-andaspare.blogspot.com/2011/11/diy-neon-necklace.html">here</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I LOVE, love, love this idea and decided to give it a try last month. I sought out a vintage rhinestone necklace from one of my fav local shops for a little over $20. Armed with a can of neon pink spray paint, I took an afternoon to give the necklace a few good coats, waiting until one coat had fully dried before applying another.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7hxpx3n60JK0Rfni3zmntNE_zyJqXU5ELDFoEplDfXgUp0NALr_Q_0ZvmzEHJCoXJ8P9Xme5gnafXb2gJE28Oy44eh5ncnblbM_zz3F3epJ6A-ed8CtBbL-mylsPRuzj0AHqqLPA7Pk0/s1600/IMG_4106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7hxpx3n60JK0Rfni3zmntNE_zyJqXU5ELDFoEplDfXgUp0NALr_Q_0ZvmzEHJCoXJ8P9Xme5gnafXb2gJE28Oy44eh5ncnblbM_zz3F3epJ6A-ed8CtBbL-mylsPRuzj0AHqqLPA7Pk0/s320/IMG_4106.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_cZAMiR1X8GrYFdGC1G6idciFkYUvKeVd_6zEptUw4NKSjLBiIno7hTKo9HYgw_3JzzKaAcz4AiR5XPLWmpyN6hmjf1zNUuHdsLYQiWYH4QiJrwsQqkxfMicromNTfUgCbKvpjsMt69l/s1600/IMG_4222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_cZAMiR1X8GrYFdGC1G6idciFkYUvKeVd_6zEptUw4NKSjLBiIno7hTKo9HYgw_3JzzKaAcz4AiR5XPLWmpyN6hmjf1zNUuHdsLYQiWYH4QiJrwsQqkxfMicromNTfUgCbKvpjsMt69l/s320/IMG_4222.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Imagine my delight when the finished product turned out just as I had hoped...super bright and just right for layering! I gave it a go when judging the Miss New Mexico Pageant, pairing it with another vintage rhinestone necklace and a new neon yellow love from Bauble Bar, atop a RACHEL Rachel Roy dress.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwr45PQks0VawVBBIgmrYm6maBW01BoRqcmfNVTWVCdRp_wsljLJFIcqDQshdz0RM49kL9n46utooDrQRLgpXVABnhJrKrnA-AmlRqVBkizu82gccAQ5K-OWO-CqtiNi9M_RwLtUvyxL_k/s1600/599939_417238404994702_1580432913_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwr45PQks0VawVBBIgmrYm6maBW01BoRqcmfNVTWVCdRp_wsljLJFIcqDQshdz0RM49kL9n46utooDrQRLgpXVABnhJrKrnA-AmlRqVBkizu82gccAQ5K-OWO-CqtiNi9M_RwLtUvyxL_k/s1600/599939_417238404994702_1580432913_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Now I say, "Bring on the neon!" Besides, a dash along the neckline is far safer than trying to make the bike shorts fashionable again.<br />
<br />
Enjoy a colorful summer!<br />
<br />katie {the full measure}http://www.blogger.com/profile/05760249299635835759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2521308345108454205.post-69849345992765565442012-05-13T12:28:00.001-07:002012-05-13T12:31:28.848-07:00In Celebration of Mothers<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000;">Women know</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000;">The way to rear up children (to be just)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000;">They know a simple, merry, tender knack</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000;">Of tying sashes, fitting baby shoes,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000;">And stringing pretty words that make no sense,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000;">And kissing full sense into empty words.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000;">- <i>Elizabeth Barrett Browning</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGJr2w17tSiWz9Npt-rt1mBkqQI3zm_lbAU7LLkcaOn8KqmYX5mTB4NTYoqo01pFFR6viPvmkFAq57H-AafyF04IozELyUrXvB7xWeaNtZtPF_9rPl6VcFexTiTUrrxOfdTKvi0BHoDzw/s1600/tori1017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGJr2w17tSiWz9Npt-rt1mBkqQI3zm_lbAU7LLkcaOn8KqmYX5mTB4NTYoqo01pFFR6viPvmkFAq57H-AafyF04IozELyUrXvB7xWeaNtZtPF_9rPl6VcFexTiTUrrxOfdTKvi0BHoDzw/s640/tori1017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000;">In celebration of mothers near and far...thank you for the many ways you make the world go round. There is no greater honor than motherhood. It is a noble quest to instill good sense into your children, all the while enveloping them in a thousand kisses and hugs. While I know I often fail at being "the perfect mother," my prayer is that I consistently demonstrate to my children that there is great worth in actively trying to be a better, kinder, more compassionate, more patient, appreciative and faith-filled person. My own sweet mother modeled this so beautifully over the years and inspires me still. There is so much joy in the journey of motherhood. Let us dedicate today - a day devoted to all women everywhere committed to caring for others - to the simple joys of being simply grateful.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000;"><br /></span></span>katie {the full measure}http://www.blogger.com/profile/05760249299635835759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2521308345108454205.post-70911382321976821942012-04-13T15:31:00.002-07:002012-04-13T15:38:19.407-07:00Fashion Friday: DIY Printed Scalloped Shorts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZ4k-HID2swSVE0OcrFOsvxFZ8WlsqAxgEBT_4Qgi7ZLC_HYt-pnE2X74BNVzgRj3C1w5_8UqWbw-8l8q9g7nWLr1wKcHkZkel4_piU-RhBfWiA57rfVWczlYVd1PEV9iujNve79Rx1OY/s1600/03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZ4k-HID2swSVE0OcrFOsvxFZ8WlsqAxgEBT_4Qgi7ZLC_HYt-pnE2X74BNVzgRj3C1w5_8UqWbw-8l8q9g7nWLr1wKcHkZkel4_piU-RhBfWiA57rfVWczlYVd1PEV9iujNve79Rx1OY/s640/03.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Photo by <a href="http://www.kellyarmijo.com/">Kelly Armijo</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>If there is one thing I've learned to appreciate living in an agricultural town, it's snow. Snow means moisture and moisture means water for crops come Summer. We rejoice with snow in the hopes of a good harvest. But alas, this time of year makes me yearn for real Spring, filled with a little more warmth and tulips and rain boots instead of snow boots. We won't actually see real Spring until June. My lawn had a light dusting of snow this morning, as it did yesterday and the day before...{sigh}. <br />
<br />
Spring trends this year (as it seems every year) are ripe with bright colors and gorgeous pastels, and I keep collecting little lovelies to pull out when the time is right. Oh, don't get me wrong though...I haven't been afraid to swath myself in bright citron or pale pink in spite of the temperatures, but I'm aiming to take a bigger bite into the season's fashions when the snow officially melts. Which brings me to prints...the PERFECT solution to transitional dressing for those of us patiently awaiting warmth, tulips and rain boots. Since prints often incorporate more than one color, and can also be anchored by other neutral pieces, they usher in a Spring feeling long before the snow has melted. <br />
<br />
I've had my eye on printed shorts in particular, since late January when Spring designs started popping up. It feels so fresh to switch things up a bit in my usual routine of prints on top rather than below. I'm not a tall girl, nor do I have slender legs that could give the illusion of height (at the right angle), therefore I've always adhered to a personal rule of solids on bottom and shorts that don't draw attention to what the good Lord and my mama gave me - namely hips that were made for birthin' babies (of which my husband seems proud). In an effort to restore confidence in my unique figure instead of trying to hide it like I've done for a lifetime of reading fashion magazines and pining for a model's body, I'm not going to shy from the printed shorts I love this season. Fashion is 10% style and 90% confidence. True dat.<br />
<br />
Big labels like Prada and Miu Miu have made cute, quirky prints a mainstay...causing fashionistas everywhere to run wild in the direction of cat prints and little images of lipstick and purses. What makes these prints so desirable is how they are crafted into traditional/retro shapes, looking cutting edge and original together. Honey, I've never met a retro style I didn't like...especially in a cute print. I've been particularly fawning over two prints, one in a dress and one in shorts, from luxury designer site Net-a-porter.com:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdi_9fYZ6UwKH9GSt-dgeYu3pFq4Ysxs9VTZR8W8ADU2whbLQ2xq19oOTMJ2E2zdJ_qONZswUPLQefGtu2VboZmxTx-9rqWhNfcjxzveHNZ0xBJnIdsRFbw1Zt13nmeH-735ye9AMUAJj/s1600/185105_ou_dl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdi_9fYZ6UwKH9GSt-dgeYu3pFq4Ysxs9VTZR8W8ADU2whbLQ2xq19oOTMJ2E2zdJ_qONZswUPLQefGtu2VboZmxTx-9rqWhNfcjxzveHNZ0xBJnIdsRFbw1Zt13nmeH-735ye9AMUAJj/s320/185105_ou_dl.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMPb98REbrkGNsuFleg73DIddDgRjMHmUdG82WPLLJXUU_gt4oXlUztpVmt90gQX1RrWRGyCFiSBt4qn3FznkYlPZ3zrJEE936aZwUXj7HGyNA7WU4pYRRg_3FFSSB7-oCsCM7LEnojsl/s1600/185105_cu_dl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMPb98REbrkGNsuFleg73DIddDgRjMHmUdG82WPLLJXUU_gt4oXlUztpVmt90gQX1RrWRGyCFiSBt4qn3FznkYlPZ3zrJEE936aZwUXj7HGyNA7WU4pYRRg_3FFSSB7-oCsCM7LEnojsl/s320/185105_cu_dl.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">{<a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/185105#">Miu Miu Embellished-Collar Printed Crepe Dress, $2420</a>}</span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqE9ECaVM1ZlWmCKTQtR3N1uJYMmYYkVJ-c46i9x_Zdlo0gQwwvHsufmep-CQFtMHn3hD8q3zw_YaCrVWaKm4cLrk9DpaKl2AJrzPW-VBsikp9UdPK9CqIR7-FY511yigFotZD3H1XcVp/s1600/193649_ou_dl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqE9ECaVM1ZlWmCKTQtR3N1uJYMmYYkVJ-c46i9x_Zdlo0gQwwvHsufmep-CQFtMHn3hD8q3zw_YaCrVWaKm4cLrk9DpaKl2AJrzPW-VBsikp9UdPK9CqIR7-FY511yigFotZD3H1XcVp/s320/193649_ou_dl.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetjrIsGrJhgoCpBjrlzHi6brM4tq0z-ezazNogahmjqT-_ivWLA_T6U_FktPIsXFYgqSTNl7SQvh2yf2apEiyuET33E_uV-zjpuiJdrDsin0bmiVvAI_MqoAtW8VHjNaqeibahy08F-Gj/s1600/193649_cu_dl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetjrIsGrJhgoCpBjrlzHi6brM4tq0z-ezazNogahmjqT-_ivWLA_T6U_FktPIsXFYgqSTNl7SQvh2yf2apEiyuET33E_uV-zjpuiJdrDsin0bmiVvAI_MqoAtW8VHjNaqeibahy08F-Gj/s320/193649_cu_dl.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">{<a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/193649">Paul & Joe Sister Piou Piou Printed Cotton Blend Shorts, $200</a>}</span></div><br />
Can these be any cuter?!? The prices {ouch!} just don't work for my budget, though. So, I decided it was time to be resourceful and just DIY it. A friend and I recently joked that when we can't get our hands on a particular style, it's time to DIY and be done. I love this philosophy and it forces me to really appreciate what's possible when you put your mind (and hands) to something. <br />
<br />
Armed with extra yardage of an adorably bird-printed Kooka twill (which I've been saving for "just the right project" for 3 years now) and a FABULOUS pattern from Australian pattern maker (and fellow Etsy shop) <a href="http://www.patternrunway.com/">Pattern Runway</a>, off I went on a quest for printed shorts. I chose Pattern Runway's <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71096808/scalloped-hem-shorts-pdf-pattern">"Sweet Scalloped Shorts" pattern</a> because I loved the slightly retro feel of the shorts, with a great (and flattering) little scallop feature on each leg and a high waist. It seemed perfectly suited to my printed Kooka fabric and evoked the same feel as the two prints I loved from Miu Miu and Paul & Joe Sister.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAT9YVGoUryO9DZu7tDPWiVGS8qA61wpv44rLFpFp_Yv_MdCqWaLOLDNxfFe2SeNgpvEfiheFsMFciPtoR1dYImnZsQmfWtaDwAsSpKBy84jt7wV0iUaEVeOpPCC37PL3Q56ims_J6aBm/s1600/il_570xN.312106199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAT9YVGoUryO9DZu7tDPWiVGS8qA61wpv44rLFpFp_Yv_MdCqWaLOLDNxfFe2SeNgpvEfiheFsMFciPtoR1dYImnZsQmfWtaDwAsSpKBy84jt7wV0iUaEVeOpPCC37PL3Q56ims_J6aBm/s400/il_570xN.312106199.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5whVoBnuf7Wf2jYLk8ARB0_O-gGbi7e4jT7AQfTCW27kOGEjGRkxmv6rNSnIaXYRlSmyWX41DwQ5VZf_Kcy4I7OSr0b0FExOWKWpFhCmHpNpHO9QT4nPbbu4YkZpxarAlugJ02hICWV0o/s1600/il_570xN.312103713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5whVoBnuf7Wf2jYLk8ARB0_O-gGbi7e4jT7AQfTCW27kOGEjGRkxmv6rNSnIaXYRlSmyWX41DwQ5VZf_Kcy4I7OSr0b0FExOWKWpFhCmHpNpHO9QT4nPbbu4YkZpxarAlugJ02hICWV0o/s400/il_570xN.312103713.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyJ9JU-l7_0BlKjhLymQo8iGBOr3MID40s_9eaA33aS3OxndREz1L2sToQ1-1NhwvoMfki5Pxh2es-_3lpFQYd1Tj8wWDv2mIVIcaPR_cT4dSuMULjVqy2ZByNYVeoIS8h9RoPyR3NuOQ/s1600/IMG_5267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyJ9JU-l7_0BlKjhLymQo8iGBOr3MID40s_9eaA33aS3OxndREz1L2sToQ1-1NhwvoMfki5Pxh2es-_3lpFQYd1Tj8wWDv2mIVIcaPR_cT4dSuMULjVqy2ZByNYVeoIS8h9RoPyR3NuOQ/s400/IMG_5267.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The pattern was a gem, too...easy to follow and beautifully detailed. It was emailed to me in a PDF file upon purchase, which I printed out and taped together atop my coffee table. Such a snap. My curious daughter helped me cut out the pieces. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8rdy_xdIQaU0BiJQmoMJNOaLWpea7WDS-ogN8MMXR7mJ17qEQLgvTAIOeTSw5wEgUaObjxhTIloMtfNevb0EmHErla2nHc-9jxlMYrgD7UOKMUvmmC7-bt87YzkYoE3axChPXT7KCShq/s1600/IMG_5247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8rdy_xdIQaU0BiJQmoMJNOaLWpea7WDS-ogN8MMXR7mJ17qEQLgvTAIOeTSw5wEgUaObjxhTIloMtfNevb0EmHErla2nHc-9jxlMYrgD7UOKMUvmmC7-bt87YzkYoE3axChPXT7KCShq/s400/IMG_5247.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CTEx6kzy1KDlbmsNuGh9TPGYFOHM8xDliYs5Tg5i-_CqOW0IRqd_WJdIrh9vPdxiSS0Tq5-GBIO_jQEcshKF85Gwx1ocPM6ynVQQZT4wEQcAR1FK-8BUVr5-qWffHgAfYQT0ElhDTtKb/s1600/IMG_5250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CTEx6kzy1KDlbmsNuGh9TPGYFOHM8xDliYs5Tg5i-_CqOW0IRqd_WJdIrh9vPdxiSS0Tq5-GBIO_jQEcshKF85Gwx1ocPM6ynVQQZT4wEQcAR1FK-8BUVr5-qWffHgAfYQT0ElhDTtKb/s400/IMG_5250.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once the pieces were cut to my size, I made a muslin to be sure of the fit. Glad I did, too...along with my birthin' hips, God gave me a long torso and I had to adjust the fit ever so slightly to accommodate accordingly.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexCj0d9SHk2qAQMotofMxo7GjXaXi8BRVygokZWCz0TpahF8dFR9q8bV7Y5dJMUAAB2iRBIf1q_lYPaD32113oW5abF8H3uSrPmrcqJ9IyJFtpPb7PrdjnmrXK-WMoRYWQuSpLevPGQ5L/s1600/IMG_5272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexCj0d9SHk2qAQMotofMxo7GjXaXi8BRVygokZWCz0TpahF8dFR9q8bV7Y5dJMUAAB2iRBIf1q_lYPaD32113oW5abF8H3uSrPmrcqJ9IyJFtpPb7PrdjnmrXK-WMoRYWQuSpLevPGQ5L/s400/IMG_5272.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Along with changes to the rise, I also decided to add surprise fabrics to the pockets and the waistband...just for the fun of it. I found a fat-quarter tucked in my pile of pink fabrics with a crazy cool fish pattern in a complementary tone to the little pink cheeks of my birds. I used a Michael Miller dotted cotton for the inner waistband. It was a personal touch to a personalized project! Additionally, I omitted the welt back pockets as shown in the pattern simply because I don't like/need extra attention on my backside. (Have I mentioned what God gave me?)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9jjuVCwWXGVCh2NvftlilWh1RHBbXdmQf9eLSHvPhmDEpwnilhVTM_qveOQEBKPicEWFtHuUPWau1vvke1cdyEw8vElz0qFZbnhH78L3luXbHFu4VFF2oeEnXH85PbWve7jPyi3iKFtg/s1600/IMG_5258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9jjuVCwWXGVCh2NvftlilWh1RHBbXdmQf9eLSHvPhmDEpwnilhVTM_qveOQEBKPicEWFtHuUPWau1vvke1cdyEw8vElz0qFZbnhH78L3luXbHFu4VFF2oeEnXH85PbWve7jPyi3iKFtg/s400/IMG_5258.JPG" width="303" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uLLWjKsJTlA5EWnEgHvLVGuDY9ZaNsODhr-fn0we-zl03vVdFesQjru6PeKNOTrhapVDeEEokPHf_JpL4Kov51NOKdmAdnEf3xjgo0nvMbwjQe-98o82CPf1cLxyAwq6NrDfUUFUdCdQ/s1600/IMG_2393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uLLWjKsJTlA5EWnEgHvLVGuDY9ZaNsODhr-fn0we-zl03vVdFesQjru6PeKNOTrhapVDeEEokPHf_JpL4Kov51NOKdmAdnEf3xjgo0nvMbwjQe-98o82CPf1cLxyAwq6NrDfUUFUdCdQ/s400/IMG_2393.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jyyDtCeK2UcVa0Z70Ab3j2Q03vAy2W0NY6j37dZLHnppzFE2cpcv6Yt7jOtaEpFWnhpjb_6_IE2px4Wtz8HXrxTtqYqndJ2L4O4aaFo9UD17OF5-n5NDhVpyT77qjDmiGP8Fp9Ky9Ea3/s1600/IMG_2508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jyyDtCeK2UcVa0Z70Ab3j2Q03vAy2W0NY6j37dZLHnppzFE2cpcv6Yt7jOtaEpFWnhpjb_6_IE2px4Wtz8HXrxTtqYqndJ2L4O4aaFo9UD17OF5-n5NDhVpyT77qjDmiGP8Fp9Ky9Ea3/s400/IMG_2508.JPG" width="400" /></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>To my amazement and delight, the shorts turned out exactly as I had dreamed...fun, quirky and slightly retro. They are an antidote to the snow flurries around me, offering a hint of Spring and hope for the Summer! At the moment, I'm pairing them with opaque tights, but I know it won't be (too) long before I'll be wearing them with bare legs and sandals. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDWCZX1_CXw-v6jXYAQNXPdFfrynweqv1BBaLiPorZoedDj3Xu6vstBEr7-vM1PtOy7dwXRt6C61y8RI7KIIFG4Os2tjQkIyXLHRs229dv_2crBompyoUshSbS_CIcpwvYIQzDMUJ_jV8/s1600/IMG_2486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDWCZX1_CXw-v6jXYAQNXPdFfrynweqv1BBaLiPorZoedDj3Xu6vstBEr7-vM1PtOy7dwXRt6C61y8RI7KIIFG4Os2tjQkIyXLHRs229dv_2crBompyoUshSbS_CIcpwvYIQzDMUJ_jV8/s640/IMG_2486.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80swRSFmtfvuxoJNLxkG-T-EIBvXSK6JpTrRoGnM1N4i1goaaJ74hzc8EU-FnaunleH775OXqbq3_PkLJHc1p74RXGWazr6Mr1QIrPL0J-F8S2N5TEmHMYqHTMnGs18n0tjySz_aKsEYR/s1600/IMG_2471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80swRSFmtfvuxoJNLxkG-T-EIBvXSK6JpTrRoGnM1N4i1goaaJ74hzc8EU-FnaunleH775OXqbq3_PkLJHc1p74RXGWazr6Mr1QIrPL0J-F8S2N5TEmHMYqHTMnGs18n0tjySz_aKsEYR/s640/IMG_2471.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><br />
Cheers to what God really gave us...the ability to create and make due with what we have. Here's to a Spring blossoming with new life in creativity, acceptance and uniqueness!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQxT6v662RrDi2loImScn0gcImhnrRUaElaTzQRl8tbZoa8Rtf3ACRsDDnh5flqPUJ9W-qDtAXz66WyNJWPu1Rpm6o45MAaRDvJorxzGWJRz3Ef8_CBQviIa55w_FHlsKfjxTbL-vpnor/s1600/scallopedshort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQxT6v662RrDi2loImScn0gcImhnrRUaElaTzQRl8tbZoa8Rtf3ACRsDDnh5flqPUJ9W-qDtAXz66WyNJWPu1Rpm6o45MAaRDvJorxzGWJRz3Ef8_CBQviIa55w_FHlsKfjxTbL-vpnor/s1600/scallopedshort.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Top: Ben Sherman, Jacket: Alexander McQueen, Necklace: Vintage, Earrings: Anthropologie, Ring: Vintage Button,<br />
Sunglasses: Chanel, Tights: DKNY, Shoes: DSW, Clutch: Anthropologie}<br />
<br />
-Photos and collage by Kelly Armijo-</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1075648043"></span><span id="goog_1075648044"></span>katie {the full measure}http://www.blogger.com/profile/05760249299635835759noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2521308345108454205.post-45964373764210915602012-04-07T20:20:00.001-07:002012-04-07T20:21:59.627-07:00NestingHip, hip, hooray...it's jammies day! We designated today as a "jammies" day (as in all jammies all day) primarily because tomorrow we'll be donning our Easter finest, complete with white mary janes and bow ties. Most jammies days require a good project...one that we can dig our hands into and laugh ourselves silly, while we create something fabulous - even if it's just memories. Today was certainly no exception as we tackled a perennial Easter favorite: marshmallow nests.<br />
<br />
Like any good nest builders worth their salt, we assembled our supplies...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXQf2Kh9qoP8nEGO9J77CRmy1RWpflxYq0dMo8I64_bw7pbupASIm77gJPeSWt9MBM6FXR6lJiyXH7FTANVWTgHbVXPyaEWQEqoQQaOzUG1c3F9L1__WmICV32VyVD3pFss_bblWFd48f/s1600/IMG_1560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXQf2Kh9qoP8nEGO9J77CRmy1RWpflxYq0dMo8I64_bw7pbupASIm77gJPeSWt9MBM6FXR6lJiyXH7FTANVWTgHbVXPyaEWQEqoQQaOzUG1c3F9L1__WmICV32VyVD3pFss_bblWFd48f/s400/IMG_1560.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
1 bag of marshmallows<br />
1 stick of butter<br />
3 packages of large shredded wheat biscuits<br />
enough chocolate eggs to put in the finished nests and sneak for a mid-project snack<br />
1 yard wax paper<br />
<br />
Our first task was to melt the butter and then add our marshmallow, patiently stirring until marvelously mushy. (Sister was master of the marshmallows while brother mischievously stuffed his mouth!)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bEGOa4tPSJIFxBHxVhHUmhBukDb0hkWEYw6mC2Ts6oCKtF2yEjFRXJ0kSX_lR_HgPZaDeProul7dgHUjzl1318K_Y9paV68rGRqka53osprX8fnJuQD8ZwM2XlwpV3zF-fHtKlWV-uxe/s1600/IMG_1582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bEGOa4tPSJIFxBHxVhHUmhBukDb0hkWEYw6mC2Ts6oCKtF2yEjFRXJ0kSX_lR_HgPZaDeProul7dgHUjzl1318K_Y9paV68rGRqka53osprX8fnJuQD8ZwM2XlwpV3zF-fHtKlWV-uxe/s400/IMG_1582.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZw4sunEoNVyBIGwD7I1lOX4SiE8nh5P4YfUhImRZTJYXWist2WGp5yPCE6pWepSt7EOIqggOVXVdyDDKSnnisNHMGIH51x58LiqKs_QpQHHGNk0MhKuClfNYoj6wxi8RJ59NvQ1iwAhk/s1600/IMG_1592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZw4sunEoNVyBIGwD7I1lOX4SiE8nh5P4YfUhImRZTJYXWist2WGp5yPCE6pWepSt7EOIqggOVXVdyDDKSnnisNHMGIH51x58LiqKs_QpQHHGNk0MhKuClfNYoj6wxi8RJ59NvQ1iwAhk/s400/IMG_1592.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCrH-mTGWwTdf9gSB_NW95VKA-x-YQcsJgwhcFfxLDEXMqGsrTK-2e9e_yNBLXIJhckZuyFzk06Ieiw9vkReBlihgMlMUdu9CRVL2Uy6H6GUeaL3_vZTVL5CwH-t6QAq555NsrTeTIZ4m/s1600/IMG_1570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCrH-mTGWwTdf9gSB_NW95VKA-x-YQcsJgwhcFfxLDEXMqGsrTK-2e9e_yNBLXIJhckZuyFzk06Ieiw9vkReBlihgMlMUdu9CRVL2Uy6H6GUeaL3_vZTVL5CwH-t6QAq555NsrTeTIZ4m/s400/IMG_1570.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1ix7QvpTielPJFHrUY01v6r75E10XALm6uWTzIZcselddTKxNBK5DZUMKri_J3TLHi7xplVaSOTmeVuA2RyczApnROqrcSqaAA50YQaHcf5OA2L7lwNgXcNcUEx1XLlxPhQ_o_aP45lp/s1600/IMG_1573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1ix7QvpTielPJFHrUY01v6r75E10XALm6uWTzIZcselddTKxNBK5DZUMKri_J3TLHi7xplVaSOTmeVuA2RyczApnROqrcSqaAA50YQaHcf5OA2L7lwNgXcNcUEx1XLlxPhQ_o_aP45lp/s400/IMG_1573.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzhsgEW0r9XH6K-_upjnddNxadknUwdgdjqDvqlrrrKJtoJ6MuG5dozNZ9-TSqLgR1wXCA0urW6XNsZLN5tOsDoB28d6bn_alerkij2IXigHb5CZp4YAyIEIuuqLFmXEozVUMXZwL48LC/s1600/IMG_1596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzhsgEW0r9XH6K-_upjnddNxadknUwdgdjqDvqlrrrKJtoJ6MuG5dozNZ9-TSqLgR1wXCA0urW6XNsZLN5tOsDoB28d6bn_alerkij2IXigHb5CZp4YAyIEIuuqLFmXEozVUMXZwL48LC/s400/IMG_1596.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07ck7-VGHCFotOWeHzcxbyleoyQ8Sa80b3Pb1hLcQ49S5zGolugi8TG3mFnX6wKXnLdX7O6kc1_EssQ85Lwc4kMWrzINx7qzkigWz2yTp0_wW57P9MoI5RFcj-fu3yfxtzmPKmBNnmt3c/s1600/IMG_1606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07ck7-VGHCFotOWeHzcxbyleoyQ8Sa80b3Pb1hLcQ49S5zGolugi8TG3mFnX6wKXnLdX7O6kc1_EssQ85Lwc4kMWrzINx7qzkigWz2yTp0_wW57P9MoI5RFcj-fu3yfxtzmPKmBNnmt3c/s400/IMG_1606.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><br />
Next, we crumbled the shredded wheat biscuits and added them to the melted marshmallows. Again we stirred until all the shredded wheat was nicely coated.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-Zr41jG5m2uH0OeurgeBZT5G4iAIJxaMj1UvjO_Ig6yTeDMl8nl_6M_0WgzTNt5Xst0jgqDcvbb_yZ1CRVsbiVbUIROnyUFCxjJK0sJmS9oIrxEykmvYloobD-yCi6cjPm9ct7WpeJ8b/s1600/IMG_1622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-Zr41jG5m2uH0OeurgeBZT5G4iAIJxaMj1UvjO_Ig6yTeDMl8nl_6M_0WgzTNt5Xst0jgqDcvbb_yZ1CRVsbiVbUIROnyUFCxjJK0sJmS9oIrxEykmvYloobD-yCi6cjPm9ct7WpeJ8b/s400/IMG_1622.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcJlgjInIlq9liQZen4mxQuwQnEDIFFfDKyMZ_bHlTBAbJ4W9Vv9hugmpWBc-noG4LNj1uP66nYa23orXId4VO1Tw028c1WYtm3dpts4hzW2d1sqbo35kIHZVHkZ-m3ujN4nRjsX8iI8u/s1600/IMG_1647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcJlgjInIlq9liQZen4mxQuwQnEDIFFfDKyMZ_bHlTBAbJ4W9Vv9hugmpWBc-noG4LNj1uP66nYa23orXId4VO1Tw028c1WYtm3dpts4hzW2d1sqbo35kIHZVHkZ-m3ujN4nRjsX8iI8u/s400/IMG_1647.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gPFplABPTwKFnyjhyPrp_Z4-u3h0EVBz8MgYJpN5qNwmps-SoTPpUo13tHB4O035VdFJwQJQPuvoHwxEbTL7zY8tbR0UnxXjokMgOAH95apZ1cRUN1sn51DrzuXFlVuOt3OE38q-Mm25/s1600/IMG_1654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gPFplABPTwKFnyjhyPrp_Z4-u3h0EVBz8MgYJpN5qNwmps-SoTPpUo13tHB4O035VdFJwQJQPuvoHwxEbTL7zY8tbR0UnxXjokMgOAH95apZ1cRUN1sn51DrzuXFlVuOt3OE38q-Mm25/s400/IMG_1654.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYss02GRpKyZcqhyNPsXbzRwEQ0581VvjW9eoGiB6jOVVNpK5C2miS3hIHCjvC-uQTAvBaddtMZKEOCvMUIkvzHZuMAey4_ULGqvEZGCsWWxrgMdNb6znOhRVqo-s9Vvr3ryFaaef07Im/s1600/IMG_1657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYss02GRpKyZcqhyNPsXbzRwEQ0581VvjW9eoGiB6jOVVNpK5C2miS3hIHCjvC-uQTAvBaddtMZKEOCvMUIkvzHZuMAey4_ULGqvEZGCsWWxrgMdNb6znOhRVqo-s9Vvr3ryFaaef07Im/s400/IMG_1657.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
At this point I was promptly abandoned by my little helpers when Daddy pulled out a tray of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Ah, c'est la vie. Cookies over quality time with Mommy...I see how it is. Daddy plays a mean game of "who's your favorite."<br />
<br />
Once the coated shredded wheat cooled, I shoved my hands into the ooey-gooey mixture and began to form little nests. Now, this required much skill and a ninja-like slight of hand to pry the sticky stuff from my fingers as it was shaped. A few choice words came to mind after the fiftieth try to unglue, but as this was an Easter project I forced myself to think higher thoughts and patiently proceed. Thank heavens for wax paper, as it was the only surface left unstuck!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PqXgpHDxNcyKl9gHZjgV8knEbrg1jRwGe-HenR0tLndrSnLovmn7b_FvY1udKMKIioIkfXWBZLgGBmzMfd5j6DJB2qb7OIw0_RkHPiuEXbp9XjZ6L3mQcr0odanrkuKqRpnDVu-9TT24/s1600/IMG_1671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PqXgpHDxNcyKl9gHZjgV8knEbrg1jRwGe-HenR0tLndrSnLovmn7b_FvY1udKMKIioIkfXWBZLgGBmzMfd5j6DJB2qb7OIw0_RkHPiuEXbp9XjZ6L3mQcr0odanrkuKqRpnDVu-9TT24/s400/IMG_1671.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nf2xWoAtaDz_9l5MuabINoExr37Agq2EwkUICyGhvw8zCGkxBVEgbuaDZSIz9jCYSrmy9cOmEysmhigKaeJE8hyphenhyphen-xOxtae6koRnKqJ-wHg7atJd3nzf5YmDN3stFhpr3iKb2B1yBDfeV/s1600/IMG_1684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nf2xWoAtaDz_9l5MuabINoExr37Agq2EwkUICyGhvw8zCGkxBVEgbuaDZSIz9jCYSrmy9cOmEysmhigKaeJE8hyphenhyphen-xOxtae6koRnKqJ-wHg7atJd3nzf5YmDN3stFhpr3iKb2B1yBDfeV/s400/IMG_1684.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><i>Volià! </i></span>Our nests cooled completely after five or so minutes, and then came the glorious task of placing the perfect chocolate eggs and choosing which nest to enjoy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXSPfwuTkwEsozvVWX5nUS4nN3GLIhxg8eHZSmXFnidubt3LVcIVFndKs0Ub5cBFhYFgTT04umKSWL_32htZtz6DnqAQjwcdtloKWEmugb_tRv9Ok1TpoRByumcy_Z6D07Kl8e2cgHbE8/s1600/IMG_1686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXSPfwuTkwEsozvVWX5nUS4nN3GLIhxg8eHZSmXFnidubt3LVcIVFndKs0Ub5cBFhYFgTT04umKSWL_32htZtz6DnqAQjwcdtloKWEmugb_tRv9Ok1TpoRByumcy_Z6D07Kl8e2cgHbE8/s400/IMG_1686.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqZJSy48yxyoQAUGcKoRxNudbzLru2YdlEBbFC7eCqMLFx_n_qptSI_x-q-CSA6W4OIo2VEP9TF6ur4M29L4wyoF0YOdz2TKgcM-cmLaktcC3ClFpNX0_Ue9ZL8rCNP23_ZhlE6AOGXb9/s1600/IMG_1694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqZJSy48yxyoQAUGcKoRxNudbzLru2YdlEBbFC7eCqMLFx_n_qptSI_x-q-CSA6W4OIo2VEP9TF6ur4M29L4wyoF0YOdz2TKgcM-cmLaktcC3ClFpNX0_Ue9ZL8rCNP23_ZhlE6AOGXb9/s400/IMG_1694.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-Idwz00seV7Qjg1qIbMq9abVZxjLymw1KdmetZqgGbYGICcOdEwAB36FyoAVLhYrAlzffik0j1hE1Szhgh0oKbh4HArpN41TozyEllVP1Rhmmxbm6QOkN11gKStVMez9koi0YCODM29M/s1600/IMG_1705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-Idwz00seV7Qjg1qIbMq9abVZxjLymw1KdmetZqgGbYGICcOdEwAB36FyoAVLhYrAlzffik0j1hE1Szhgh0oKbh4HArpN41TozyEllVP1Rhmmxbm6QOkN11gKStVMez9koi0YCODM29M/s640/IMG_1705.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2V3zOYxFbTxV99hk54_3Y2moXgXJwTphmfso9vN6A8_EGdX8UwLYyURfVgIX3g6cFQZt1FudZRL3TI0s67vfVmLh9D2eXdz8IOCtXC3wqazsFWeO5Z4sb1jjBmCeIdWsHSmVagnEIWTvV/s1600/IMG_1729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2V3zOYxFbTxV99hk54_3Y2moXgXJwTphmfso9vN6A8_EGdX8UwLYyURfVgIX3g6cFQZt1FudZRL3TI0s67vfVmLh9D2eXdz8IOCtXC3wqazsFWeO5Z4sb1jjBmCeIdWsHSmVagnEIWTvV/s400/IMG_1729.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>While we savored the goodness of our little nest goodies, I also savored a sweet and simple moment with my kidlets who seem to be growing before my eyes. Tomorrow we'll gather with our friends and family to celebrate our Savior, His sacrifice and the glory of His love. From our family to yours, we wish you a blessed Easter Sunday, complete with a happy nest full of love!katie {the full measure}http://www.blogger.com/profile/05760249299635835759noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2521308345108454205.post-30706411465408920562012-03-15T12:44:00.000-07:002012-03-15T12:44:02.049-07:00Wheel Innovation: Portland's Mobile BoutiquesInnovation is a beautiful thing. It's what truly makes us human, defining what it means to be capable of creative thought and action. My beloved hometown of Portland, Oregon is a swirling vortex of creativity. Each time I return for work or a family visit, I'm never at a loss for a new sight, experience or inspiration. I adore discovering (and supporting) a new little shop around the corner, eating at a hip hole-in-the-wall diner or taking in a show at one of Portland's many theaters. The city just seems to bring the best out of bright entrepreneurs.<br />
<br />
As it so happens, I received a sparkling new copy of Lucky Magazine in the mail just a few days shy of a weekend business trip to the City of Roses for a speaking engagement. And much to my delight, page 74 featured an array of mobile boutiques taking the nation by storm. That's right...MOBILE boutiques, as in a genius, utterly brilliant take on shopping staged in vintage vans, trailers and buses of all sorts. Have I mentioned how completely GENIUS that is?! Innovation, ladies and gentlemen...innovation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqFz1QvM0vXPSeVNoEpqRd_O57aqDNpiKzJbbXbe5ql23ysOsp2UJPKnh95LDc84qKIYqjzc2U9-FAMA9oLWpe2L9mOlFimlF_MvvuEgNijkQ_wXG6r7knxteXMeXNd_qTKA4xdwlruSG/s1600/IMG_0253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqFz1QvM0vXPSeVNoEpqRd_O57aqDNpiKzJbbXbe5ql23ysOsp2UJPKnh95LDc84qKIYqjzc2U9-FAMA9oLWpe2L9mOlFimlF_MvvuEgNijkQ_wXG6r7knxteXMeXNd_qTKA4xdwlruSG/s400/IMG_0253.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Lo and behold, what do I spy in the feature but mention of a Portland-based mobile boutique aptly named Wanderlust. I immediately hop online to sneak a peek at Wanderlust's website...and I was riveted. In response to Portland's longtime love affair with food carts, super-saavy couple Vanessa and Dan Lurie took it upon themselves to fashion (all puns intended) Portland's first mobile boutique from a darling 1969 Cardinal Deluxe trailer, selling beautifully curated vintage wears, handmade accessories and other small goodies from the converted interior. They opened shop in September 2010 and have since settled in a permanent location on North Williams Avenue alongside sister shop-on-wheels, Lodekka - a similarly fantastic little boutique nestled inside a 1965 Bristol Lodekka double-decker bus named Ginny. Lodekka's owner Erin Sutherland found Ginny on Craigslist at a used-car lot in Springfield, Oregon and saw fit to convert it from its former glory in British public transit to a hip vintage-laden lair. While both shops can be found in their cozy nook off North Williams Ave most weekends, Wanderlust continues to travel to craft shows and fairs on special occasions.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJM8N6JmOx-E01z82TbwMLXmIydZQyYHkrlNZpzU4WTAmuvfxrU3xPBaE0TEgM26Oj8a_6-iZ8PXHAOPEduCDeTFYPWbOLmjk4s8HSOUXkvvpQth2BU9IU35wMi_5crxvdsDl2HSWn1Ty/s1600/6142279550_8f07f362d2_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJM8N6JmOx-E01z82TbwMLXmIydZQyYHkrlNZpzU4WTAmuvfxrU3xPBaE0TEgM26Oj8a_6-iZ8PXHAOPEduCDeTFYPWbOLmjk4s8HSOUXkvvpQth2BU9IU35wMi_5crxvdsDl2HSWn1Ty/s400/6142279550_8f07f362d2_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.wanderlustmobileshop.com/">www.wanderlustmobileshop.com</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoezEVDmx_D5ZZJJDwZYQDhk6cG2jrzhnoUb0ipWFbpTTj53AG24JeVI7PNJHpyO0wgM82gt9ukfWj-9EDHWpBZqtsgSZQs_ROhzjwMXZQgGgMdR4pLHJD4GaNqDgwt6QKbqPD6FDcm5yc/s1600/Leela1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoezEVDmx_D5ZZJJDwZYQDhk6cG2jrzhnoUb0ipWFbpTTj53AG24JeVI7PNJHpyO0wgM82gt9ukfWj-9EDHWpBZqtsgSZQs_ROhzjwMXZQgGgMdR4pLHJD4GaNqDgwt6QKbqPD6FDcm5yc/s320/Leela1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Photo by Leela Cyd, courtesy of <a href="http://www.lodekka.com/">www.lodekka.com</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93a7NsV48bkKz3H77zNpU1rq4Guyov4BzkLVfyrj0tZbZIvZRcYI7pkvM58haH6Hy0AbJSwkIMmGyj3wV-YGen1082EgfQLQEVUvUdzqOabmd-FZyHJlAaVhg1i-mnFX6A3gkRA07Nlf0/s1600/Wanderlust_Lodekka_MovingCard_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93a7NsV48bkKz3H77zNpU1rq4Guyov4BzkLVfyrj0tZbZIvZRcYI7pkvM58haH6Hy0AbJSwkIMmGyj3wV-YGen1082EgfQLQEVUvUdzqOabmd-FZyHJlAaVhg1i-mnFX6A3gkRA07Nlf0/s400/Wanderlust_Lodekka_MovingCard_01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With an hour to spare before hitting the road for home after my speaking engagement, I made a point to see Wanderlust and Lodekka for myself...and soaked up every minute. I was mesmerized by the sight of the two shops side-by-side when I exited my car and walked across the street to their cute alcove nestled between neighboring buildings. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkB6yWYODxi4W2m-ipzPzp7EhOHzg2rFrgZlhGDZ4UdPcGyiJCxIkRVyFz2XBJIF0rGqFRfIHAsRao_3RBs5qDGal3eFlqfMVd-5CYn2-4gsGjCAeUq02neveH1Af3QmlAl6bMvDDHIHKg/s1600/IMG_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkB6yWYODxi4W2m-ipzPzp7EhOHzg2rFrgZlhGDZ4UdPcGyiJCxIkRVyFz2XBJIF0rGqFRfIHAsRao_3RBs5qDGal3eFlqfMVd-5CYn2-4gsGjCAeUq02neveH1Af3QmlAl6bMvDDHIHKg/s320/IMG_0091.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7S6d_cCFDKI7duSA59m-cnVjBDGK6Ecw_JHV6Qj9sFNHszx_9lNXVAIi1BevEu8XyWSpR5uajVpUNKRQiRQC2cAF1CENdokh7Hm40VAnsBbPYHnPaBdsvN2iLL3rxAD6fp4oTzgacIxCF/s1600/IMG_0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7S6d_cCFDKI7duSA59m-cnVjBDGK6Ecw_JHV6Qj9sFNHszx_9lNXVAIi1BevEu8XyWSpR5uajVpUNKRQiRQC2cAF1CENdokh7Hm40VAnsBbPYHnPaBdsvN2iLL3rxAD6fp4oTzgacIxCF/s320/IMG_0083.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrkYs72xLKELUxv9u57nSxo5SNhn9L1o6pwIRiF5NGDsgXKOb3gYwY5AeZ8pphG0IIcUtQ_qW0FDnaBVRJMFMOZxXvHljd95v2VVERzKB21Xc5mU1FMroH_Wrk_dfe_wgyZnYuo7rD2jT/s1600/IMG_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrkYs72xLKELUxv9u57nSxo5SNhn9L1o6pwIRiF5NGDsgXKOb3gYwY5AeZ8pphG0IIcUtQ_qW0FDnaBVRJMFMOZxXvHljd95v2VVERzKB21Xc5mU1FMroH_Wrk_dfe_wgyZnYuo7rD2jT/s320/IMG_0143.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqdpImLzCMhKljuTBstdPs43T8n7Em_zWP1GF6l2xWqGybYrkVHMloQVhdOBbV9kDSZH9VrC-BaeHTVy9oUdyuxB7a5RtvuKlJj0IXW33RipMXWDvA91NdHyFOj6GMkiRmGtbaHHIka4s/s1600/IMG_0161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqdpImLzCMhKljuTBstdPs43T8n7Em_zWP1GF6l2xWqGybYrkVHMloQVhdOBbV9kDSZH9VrC-BaeHTVy9oUdyuxB7a5RtvuKlJj0IXW33RipMXWDvA91NdHyFOj6GMkiRmGtbaHHIka4s/s320/IMG_0161.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIZbU0lG8xRDc7zoHumEtvRlcNvTrRsXrK0-AaqB2L4qm2DXIhe7_3yZjZrjjBEOX6tzu-c7IgcB6W7x1Qg9AShzI-lGLAIhbVpbG7KtiBBeWVbXa43S4YVtU61pLx1ULEJkPJnRIuJhm/s1600/IMG_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIZbU0lG8xRDc7zoHumEtvRlcNvTrRsXrK0-AaqB2L4qm2DXIhe7_3yZjZrjjBEOX6tzu-c7IgcB6W7x1Qg9AShzI-lGLAIhbVpbG7KtiBBeWVbXa43S4YVtU61pLx1ULEJkPJnRIuJhm/s320/IMG_0087.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dan (co-owner of Wanderlust) greeted me when I first stepped inside Lodekka. He was manning both shops while his wife Vanessa stepped away for a moment and Erin (owner of Lodekka) was on a business trip. I was trying so hard to contain my giddy excitement while browsing, so as not to embarrass myself (as is frequent for the friendly women in my family), but I think Dan saw through my front. After five minutes of cooing over the adorable vintage offerings, I blurted out that I'd caught word of their shop while reading Lucky mag and I thought they were just so doggone brilliant. He proudly and graciously smiled and I gladly repeated the whole fanfare for Vanessa when she took the helm from her hubby. She synopsized their story for me and kindly invited me to explore the second level of the bus, as well as Wanderlust next door, at my leisure - also giving me permission to photograph both boutiques' glorious details. Like a kid in a candy store, I happily obliged.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Inside Lodekka...}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTHSoG49wOJzqNSIS-PdlJ8Y0oaWR5D_rdTwTBVErvWZz5vWJxAPDkcfZSIGEZ7vVXp_4bfEXQ85BCETWx54GU1FcS6pILwADtlRmK5RiVGnpKadl4yRdG6skwMV8aChFEYVedcryL8DS/s1600/IMG_0107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTHSoG49wOJzqNSIS-PdlJ8Y0oaWR5D_rdTwTBVErvWZz5vWJxAPDkcfZSIGEZ7vVXp_4bfEXQ85BCETWx54GU1FcS6pILwADtlRmK5RiVGnpKadl4yRdG6skwMV8aChFEYVedcryL8DS/s320/IMG_0107.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JX7TcfribsLpH_c9nyxKy0RnJWIW_O2e5wzz7bqxiaMTMFaWtdMngXrBfFDhI_toh02PrL0NjZZQlSzDXjmWC9PEW5XmnegnKm3KgexYVlRLa_ZiZmb9oF1zBjEYzq9K1IzPA2AJj89i/s1600/IMG_0093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JX7TcfribsLpH_c9nyxKy0RnJWIW_O2e5wzz7bqxiaMTMFaWtdMngXrBfFDhI_toh02PrL0NjZZQlSzDXjmWC9PEW5XmnegnKm3KgexYVlRLa_ZiZmb9oF1zBjEYzq9K1IzPA2AJj89i/s320/IMG_0093.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_mgOb2fa-4wz2tdxLCAgUNYuouaGl4hGiv5nuAYG2gKa5xj_JynkKl-7YSfcMICBdG5dhaAy1jkoqP6rj7RsOS1xC6d0DfF6Z_v_dXZ6YmqYsIPBPBOFeRqMHmCiQUSlVSMO0CGTb7L1/s1600/IMG_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_mgOb2fa-4wz2tdxLCAgUNYuouaGl4hGiv5nuAYG2gKa5xj_JynkKl-7YSfcMICBdG5dhaAy1jkoqP6rj7RsOS1xC6d0DfF6Z_v_dXZ6YmqYsIPBPBOFeRqMHmCiQUSlVSMO0CGTb7L1/s320/IMG_0098.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdPsR_BeLe5KWz9K1FYdu49f48ulAIf3Q59uPMmNrJ8Kn5nyUXup8i74K6A-nOhkmPzVqdgizg-XMC_Zw_vmGm84gDR0VSHK7cTwzrb5h7bSnSnhfGKNPONTXxDUKuvYvd3Ya8LIlP3zh/s1600/IMG_0100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdPsR_BeLe5KWz9K1FYdu49f48ulAIf3Q59uPMmNrJ8Kn5nyUXup8i74K6A-nOhkmPzVqdgizg-XMC_Zw_vmGm84gDR0VSHK7cTwzrb5h7bSnSnhfGKNPONTXxDUKuvYvd3Ya8LIlP3zh/s320/IMG_0100.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNte2-E92PM6A-g_XxYVYfVWPm5P35qQxFh_8r0X00rQhOneqo0mFyBCrepzS5uMaZlfOw7nI54t5DjHUb6w5qLYL72y2pioVD2fdVymnYjqRilr5p58xUpD1_UvJpF_bPadxfR7s4V7tA/s1600/IMG_0102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNte2-E92PM6A-g_XxYVYfVWPm5P35qQxFh_8r0X00rQhOneqo0mFyBCrepzS5uMaZlfOw7nI54t5DjHUb6w5qLYL72y2pioVD2fdVymnYjqRilr5p58xUpD1_UvJpF_bPadxfR7s4V7tA/s320/IMG_0102.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWdmNH2G98FYUzbFhQKLsXxjjAMtJroTvh1lxQupTFQNYoCQ2s8wE5fDiXVY9wrdmnUJjSvql1crI-3ybBk7nzqU3zd5J7818MgE9slpOApS_rZLP4aO2dk0i5KjnrelDQuKwqT44GD_j/s1600/IMG_0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWdmNH2G98FYUzbFhQKLsXxjjAMtJroTvh1lxQupTFQNYoCQ2s8wE5fDiXVY9wrdmnUJjSvql1crI-3ybBk7nzqU3zd5J7818MgE9slpOApS_rZLP4aO2dk0i5KjnrelDQuKwqT44GD_j/s320/IMG_0101.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOWhfeUn8pOmA0eH4urAEbH9rVZl9SE95u2gyM97g6759nfKms7FUOmXuz9Zs-Zp1-azOTikkyLxnWp0ouGF0MhPH1UajtSw7vFAOwFofRShHWaFGu-3Ly98NNZiOgWjm62I8nYBVc_D7/s1600/IMG_0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOWhfeUn8pOmA0eH4urAEbH9rVZl9SE95u2gyM97g6759nfKms7FUOmXuz9Zs-Zp1-azOTikkyLxnWp0ouGF0MhPH1UajtSw7vFAOwFofRShHWaFGu-3Ly98NNZiOgWjm62I8nYBVc_D7/s320/IMG_0105.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0UFAh1cndWz6n62o9alPZUES2FZMaD1X8sFvrskjwwPwaMOxuOI417a-Cllu4kmu2A2Z6dRomY38crOTYh9N1vDOopNNMk-zUiUMwUzAfksgJwcH75lPMmkJl72AcBKAWUCagci2uRqL/s1600/IMG_0110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0UFAh1cndWz6n62o9alPZUES2FZMaD1X8sFvrskjwwPwaMOxuOI417a-Cllu4kmu2A2Z6dRomY38crOTYh9N1vDOopNNMk-zUiUMwUzAfksgJwcH75lPMmkJl72AcBKAWUCagci2uRqL/s320/IMG_0110.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCp1_6ro1BRpVoh0li1XkC68KkvgqgVcl11UTiVe8WohQgJUpCqP4EaWf5Gq4ek3m03JNYQPOl5PWsMqrDw2G8isNxU0Y5BkWqyt-JhNVg5AZB4NHOBl2maz_gD5172sb7DUCc8U6R6PO/s1600/IMG_0114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCp1_6ro1BRpVoh0li1XkC68KkvgqgVcl11UTiVe8WohQgJUpCqP4EaWf5Gq4ek3m03JNYQPOl5PWsMqrDw2G8isNxU0Y5BkWqyt-JhNVg5AZB4NHOBl2maz_gD5172sb7DUCc8U6R6PO/s320/IMG_0114.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOz78rmwHdcj3vshAyEcCxLc1EAUkpSyjdCqZ7pdGHalwZYo_fQzB2STl65JQgmVfC9vof3OHHjera9-e4TJ7fxfloJUCsD00tN0cbkMReUeVQQ0j9-speWWdunQyZz22R9X-j2eAi8peU/s1600/IMG_0112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOz78rmwHdcj3vshAyEcCxLc1EAUkpSyjdCqZ7pdGHalwZYo_fQzB2STl65JQgmVfC9vof3OHHjera9-e4TJ7fxfloJUCsD00tN0cbkMReUeVQQ0j9-speWWdunQyZz22R9X-j2eAi8peU/s320/IMG_0112.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtorKXD4FJ_GPhahd1vZ3IQIjszIEa5c63IcfmdkMwGDDGs94PkocQ2hb7C0txDBnEh6OLwnXdZJMqSyd2qZkgakbiyXx2hLSUU0_bDrzbU2xSpDYxom7wUP7NhGD0oCR9xlSD9EzYw08-/s1600/IMG_0116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtorKXD4FJ_GPhahd1vZ3IQIjszIEa5c63IcfmdkMwGDDGs94PkocQ2hb7C0txDBnEh6OLwnXdZJMqSyd2qZkgakbiyXx2hLSUU0_bDrzbU2xSpDYxom7wUP7NhGD0oCR9xlSD9EzYw08-/s320/IMG_0116.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHv2C6FZPxYknGaDLDTiXlH6mZGYbMqKntedi1nuxSEj3HN_-WOeHFfjFd3ea7sqneumqYx0AN9m8_RQIDIQ9soSsgisXjgkC-whm5W47KTC84YdxZesdpI4ByJ3TZgwCzrb9XBiTKFmF/s1600/IMG_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHv2C6FZPxYknGaDLDTiXlH6mZGYbMqKntedi1nuxSEj3HN_-WOeHFfjFd3ea7sqneumqYx0AN9m8_RQIDIQ9soSsgisXjgkC-whm5W47KTC84YdxZesdpI4ByJ3TZgwCzrb9XBiTKFmF/s320/IMG_0117.JPG" width="320" /></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: center;">{Inside Wanderlust...}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRiO_Hqc0dc5Ir_Ll6t01bFWYgoy1iMj77mWzsI7MhJaP1Q6ukBeF4Vpjcb77wsCGb2c8rDFt8WjgTO3h8AR4ZR2c2O5hDb0qwasCOqZs12xmtCKZ5aN3p2s0dRU43FrGW9A2-6kxCEbM/s1600/IMG_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRiO_Hqc0dc5Ir_Ll6t01bFWYgoy1iMj77mWzsI7MhJaP1Q6ukBeF4Vpjcb77wsCGb2c8rDFt8WjgTO3h8AR4ZR2c2O5hDb0qwasCOqZs12xmtCKZ5aN3p2s0dRU43FrGW9A2-6kxCEbM/s320/IMG_0144.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZkEAWWH7NSnjXHyO-LsvO-U2tX-CEYgSNisZANqOChkQ3JyTM67G8kLhqq0WpzhziNECZO220wCPVCTEdyNhAvLnugTCwGTHQ3HDxj5CaNANMDV8NcXjIn9LW7m9xeGOVT1KUSf5gyLG/s1600/IMG_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZkEAWWH7NSnjXHyO-LsvO-U2tX-CEYgSNisZANqOChkQ3JyTM67G8kLhqq0WpzhziNECZO220wCPVCTEdyNhAvLnugTCwGTHQ3HDxj5CaNANMDV8NcXjIn9LW7m9xeGOVT1KUSf5gyLG/s400/IMG_0121.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8whdX_O9nSOq8jurUawmz7H2hqZaFVi5nMM5lO6sRt3jR2E1BwXwXTeSNefxMEjo_BVFWBiaotuorahgfGrY75Jj5xyUEtkUZIzSJ6qA0FbodvDyjS2HGrdq0vyk-ljrFHWpDEMq-MJq/s1600/IMG_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8whdX_O9nSOq8jurUawmz7H2hqZaFVi5nMM5lO6sRt3jR2E1BwXwXTeSNefxMEjo_BVFWBiaotuorahgfGrY75Jj5xyUEtkUZIzSJ6qA0FbodvDyjS2HGrdq0vyk-ljrFHWpDEMq-MJq/s320/IMG_0136.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lEReUrbEbOy32GZj5NttxGoDRrKpgMcfZLpTdNxHOrduvw1Redy7dgy6f36c_JIE5jKxvHCcmMe3RV0Ylq5A7n3WOISWwhUFtRWVbu4plcakl6EoRMUeRzhwg4e_aNXcdk7fqnOBdRvr/s1600/IMG_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lEReUrbEbOy32GZj5NttxGoDRrKpgMcfZLpTdNxHOrduvw1Redy7dgy6f36c_JIE5jKxvHCcmMe3RV0Ylq5A7n3WOISWwhUFtRWVbu4plcakl6EoRMUeRzhwg4e_aNXcdk7fqnOBdRvr/s320/IMG_0124.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13h7U0wuwH5fnUY8Ow1d7Rz6UTy8ab0mFIMUzoe8V5tosRseEJvaIIN7IcmxjgcwEy9bgRg86agK5atwQmb3UYg7FVkqgkS0d5uWd9339EnSOfD_LxQVYBSI6y4eK5olXNvNP83mtufsP/s1600/IMG_0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13h7U0wuwH5fnUY8Ow1d7Rz6UTy8ab0mFIMUzoe8V5tosRseEJvaIIN7IcmxjgcwEy9bgRg86agK5atwQmb3UYg7FVkqgkS0d5uWd9339EnSOfD_LxQVYBSI6y4eK5olXNvNP83mtufsP/s320/IMG_0127.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDpRNP8K24UAysIDoxBYr9wkrPhD34JgIxD6zprwoneGmXfHklbQ3p1-LceMGlSI6sn2KKSBtwH7j9mi5FN3iWCae44wZj8fibiafOzCDfY-x5dJJbrC7nfyc26Khuk9Op4OYUfbUdWsK/s1600/IMG_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDpRNP8K24UAysIDoxBYr9wkrPhD34JgIxD6zprwoneGmXfHklbQ3p1-LceMGlSI6sn2KKSBtwH7j9mi5FN3iWCae44wZj8fibiafOzCDfY-x5dJJbrC7nfyc26Khuk9Op4OYUfbUdWsK/s320/IMG_0128.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1J8kQG3hVKLRM_7w_xCOllzL5IsOOkUBgOR6YfmjvePGShxy3ZRc4nysLKn-1steyHqUMK7mv_9-1GQOKE3HdoO1hZ-EDasC7L87AxvDwgJ9j_z3IGpzoEG9zJIGDfXsm2UEeDS7211h/s1600/IMG_0130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlx-_UsYI_0eX6aMkEH_vclB-mrpFbqIDCYz-yR_eadwFwd7N8QvPF16KG7NzsfQ5xUK4l2kDerJcYexGK1tw4b26jzCO4N7gsroAerYfcr_Lw_kUUkyXDS_r6rUJj5LOJZZdoopGqKhQ/s1600/IMG_0132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlx-_UsYI_0eX6aMkEH_vclB-mrpFbqIDCYz-yR_eadwFwd7N8QvPF16KG7NzsfQ5xUK4l2kDerJcYexGK1tw4b26jzCO4N7gsroAerYfcr_Lw_kUUkyXDS_r6rUJj5LOJZZdoopGqKhQ/s320/IMG_0132.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOefgDQ-Z0FnRkwT-D58HfKHmti9D9t3TLEdcxQqAQLsUxgDa2TUaXvjxEs-XSKOH8sAFNrpsfu6eLgCk7NZ-35RIVlOoBzpgaftUH85It4VdEZWyUjqPtAhdj_ag0FCjj1sO8E901U-CI/s1600/IMG_0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOefgDQ-Z0FnRkwT-D58HfKHmti9D9t3TLEdcxQqAQLsUxgDa2TUaXvjxEs-XSKOH8sAFNrpsfu6eLgCk7NZ-35RIVlOoBzpgaftUH85It4VdEZWyUjqPtAhdj_ag0FCjj1sO8E901U-CI/s320/IMG_0134.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1J8kQG3hVKLRM_7w_xCOllzL5IsOOkUBgOR6YfmjvePGShxy3ZRc4nysLKn-1steyHqUMK7mv_9-1GQOKE3HdoO1hZ-EDasC7L87AxvDwgJ9j_z3IGpzoEG9zJIGDfXsm2UEeDS7211h/s1600/IMG_0130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1J8kQG3hVKLRM_7w_xCOllzL5IsOOkUBgOR6YfmjvePGShxy3ZRc4nysLKn-1steyHqUMK7mv_9-1GQOKE3HdoO1hZ-EDasC7L87AxvDwgJ9j_z3IGpzoEG9zJIGDfXsm2UEeDS7211h/s320/IMG_0130.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iPC3917mPyTntpBES9YESccbU9lZsYzgdEO9lcyorIxvIohC7P6kEO-ye1zReoU5C9z2Zod2EbcP6D2MMEXgfj073FF2IwYY2yO5qedWEJHYmppSGDw_INvl6ZdnMRgkq_UFbj_smHHN/s1600/IMG_0138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iPC3917mPyTntpBES9YESccbU9lZsYzgdEO9lcyorIxvIohC7P6kEO-ye1zReoU5C9z2Zod2EbcP6D2MMEXgfj073FF2IwYY2yO5qedWEJHYmppSGDw_INvl6ZdnMRgkq_UFbj_smHHN/s320/IMG_0138.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YQqeVrqpk1axPeLe7bTH5L6uHvjFeQexAxgXFK1Z_bWCOb01BEmU_GvT0xMYkoAW8S7gO7zhs25mu2dd6WeWCjmJ8l3wyHTqHGGM7BB9vdbryaDikzLr9-Up8o21E89Lp65H9LBlLcb7/s1600/IMG_0140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YQqeVrqpk1axPeLe7bTH5L6uHvjFeQexAxgXFK1Z_bWCOb01BEmU_GvT0xMYkoAW8S7gO7zhs25mu2dd6WeWCjmJ8l3wyHTqHGGM7BB9vdbryaDikzLr9-Up8o21E89Lp65H9LBlLcb7/s320/IMG_0140.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
If ever you're at a loss for inspiration, I encourage you to traipse a tad off the beaten path to uncover the ingenuity of another and simply marvel. As I glanced over my shoulder at the two shops when walking back to my car, I couldn't help but smile. Thank you Vanessa, Dan, Erin and others willing to step out of the box to encourage creativity in others. Their brilliant spark will undoubtedly fuel the fire of many a happy vintage-loving customer wanting to blaze their own path.<br />
<br />
I wonder if my husband would let me paint our camp trailer pink and transform it into an ode to fashion?katie {the full measure}http://www.blogger.com/profile/05760249299635835759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2521308345108454205.post-88605596913470942042012-02-11T15:21:00.000-08:002012-02-11T15:21:56.685-08:00Never Stop Improving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The marketing team behind Lowe's stores recent tagline "Never Stop Improving" deserve a bonus...and extra vacation time...in a pristine high-end resort...with umbrella laden drinks and fanning assistants. It's just plain brilliant. The tagline itself is actually rather generic and applicable to a myriad of situations (recall Nike's longtime "Just Do It" campaign?), but it tugs so strongly at the heart of every true do-it-yourselfer that you want to march yourself straight into a Lowe's and fill a cart with material courage to transform your spaces into the stuff of dreams. It's like telling a shoe addict to "Never Stop Accessorizing"...it only fuels the fire.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While I have often categorized myself as a shoe addict, I never thought of myself as a do-it-yourselfer until a twist of fate (or act of God, as we see it) plucked me and my young family from our urban existence and plopped us into the rural countryside of Southern Oregon. At the time, my husband and I had been married for a little over two years and carried a three month old bouncing baby boy in our arms. When we married in June 2003, I understood full well that we would most likely move at least two or three times throughout the duration of my husband's career as a military Fighter Pilot. And our first move was ironically from my hometown to his, as we were transferred to the military base he grew up at with his family when his father served in the Air National Guard. Thankfully, my husband knew the area, but to me everything was as unfamiliar as stepping through the looking glass. Yes, the landscape was extraordinarily beautiful, but I didn't know a soul and was navigating through the newborn phase, all while living among boxes and searching for a new home in a rural community.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We happened upon a diamond-in-the-rough in a tiny outlying town of 700 residents: a farmhouse on 5 acres built in 1936, unoccupied for the past six months. The little community was first settled in September 1909 by Czech immigrants who named the town after their former home. (Descendants of original settlers still maintain many farms and continue to build up the community. A rich heritage indeed!) We were intrigued and infatuated with the house. But we didn't have a clue what we were diving into. Over the past 6 plus years, we've had a front row seat to the renovation of our beloved farmhouse...and a restoration of our faith in the power of community, self-reliance, patience, penny-pinching, farm fresh eggs and the love of family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhGpKNRyLEvhDVP3E1r_tUyQVrzzYcIgV9tpmOrmM911eUsatLRVeVXdNzG8rz9qvrht38751x5Lo-_zbt97oe7sgQo8VxRQK7t7HdZY3GSJgXyHjmiJAA1SxC64VTZl5y8JCUJBrJtLI/s1600/farm-Katiekids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhGpKNRyLEvhDVP3E1r_tUyQVrzzYcIgV9tpmOrmM911eUsatLRVeVXdNzG8rz9qvrht38751x5Lo-_zbt97oe7sgQo8VxRQK7t7HdZY3GSJgXyHjmiJAA1SxC64VTZl5y8JCUJBrJtLI/s400/farm-Katiekids.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Photo by Kelly Armijo of <a href="http://www.kellyarmijo.com/">Armijo Designs</a>, featured in House of Fifty Winter/Spring 2012 Issue}<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last year, I received an invitation from Janell Beals, author of the wonderful blog <a href="http://www.isabellaandmaxrooms.blogspot.com/">Isabella and Max Rooms</a> and also editor of new online design magazine <a href="http://www.houseoffifty.com/">House of Fifty</a>, to write an article for the magazine about the changes I saw in ourselves and our house throughout the renovation (which is far from over, by the way). I was tickled pink to receive such an honor, but daunted nonetheless by the task of summing up just how this experience has and continues to impact our lives. While gathering my thoughts, I knew I wanted to convey to the reader the importance of being content with your life and all it's subtle and not-so-subtle nuances...to "Love the Life you Have" and appreciate your unique blessings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LZRAPks-m-qfkoWAWjniZAilFuMtGcL3LlBl0zPVcT9pXGrZa-3b2q43DaiixxYtu4Iv9Mr6aT_oG3I_gtOb0wpu1zmRx5CKaq3vUCs50fKOk9Kv3IXiYRDb7dkr5TyY0uU-2jJsGgPG/s400/cover+(8).png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="306" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Find the article and the current issue <a href="http://www.houseoffifty.com/">here</a>!}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQS-UKKtQj2bpqdz5qmkj2s1I3H2kANKGzfLk2jwFUsSGVuiwUMSX5x-3Mn6bS-bi8MzxG5Lb8xEQAYVOgauf7A1EJb6FCs6XZRsNQWGkWLI9GzGvvw5wKyKGKTQ9AmE4kDjiSv07qfxB/s1600/IMG_5139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQS-UKKtQj2bpqdz5qmkj2s1I3H2kANKGzfLk2jwFUsSGVuiwUMSX5x-3Mn6bS-bi8MzxG5Lb8xEQAYVOgauf7A1EJb6FCs6XZRsNQWGkWLI9GzGvvw5wKyKGKTQ9AmE4kDjiSv07qfxB/s400/IMG_5139.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{The House of Fifty app for iPad can also be purchased through iTunes!}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After the article and it's accompanying photos had wrapped and were being prepared for placement in the Winter/Spring 2012 issue, I spied a commercial for Lowe's introducing their "Never Stop Improving" campaign...and everything seemed to come full circle. What continues to drive me to appreciate my home and unique life is the desire to make situations better for my family...to never stop improving. This is at the core of every project created by any man, woman and child around the globe. I'll say it again...that Lowe's team is brilliant, and our family may be inadvertently responsible for financing their campaign through the past six years of improving.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">***********</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A little retrospective of a few of our changes throughout the years...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u>Breakfast Nook</u></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs46qq2RZ89tkIsqCZoryjBJ-kt-XXA3zDGexmibsK-VrlaQjzd0wpWqdZicxCZLXbjLoB9f5FTf25sAwZoiigdSR-ok9Pnu9jI6hRe97Vs4NyRPog82TJ_NrmV6urAadTeQ3JtSm5U2EZ/s1600/Misc+Aug-Nov+2005+315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs46qq2RZ89tkIsqCZoryjBJ-kt-XXA3zDGexmibsK-VrlaQjzd0wpWqdZicxCZLXbjLoB9f5FTf25sAwZoiigdSR-ok9Pnu9jI6hRe97Vs4NyRPog82TJ_NrmV6urAadTeQ3JtSm5U2EZ/s400/Misc+Aug-Nov+2005+315.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Before}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNC7lQn7Tzt4VqGQqaxOdyKYd78-pGvxOhqsU4cZPbvRQttGJzjtQjP-jFo-wdxSaCOC0XcAjXWHSQFaaPKAFShajzaaQx0rJbtMqesThLS6humrBp8z-bEUaM5G9igFw6rE8AjJqXZNR/s1600/IMG_5188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNC7lQn7Tzt4VqGQqaxOdyKYd78-pGvxOhqsU4cZPbvRQttGJzjtQjP-jFo-wdxSaCOC0XcAjXWHSQFaaPKAFShajzaaQx0rJbtMqesThLS6humrBp8z-bEUaM5G9igFw6rE8AjJqXZNR/s400/IMG_5188.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{After}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ti3vNjuBSEHkFQivNPw70Owxw0BConTB8iiGBBJvfmRNiAflRP7YgAzUJfxEuFCR5RklFIXVGUTuyMAg1cjJi52tIehyphenhyphen6kAaQdAsdqbr-syhxOJh8PcpT2Ft7wIz4LzQ6kPHbj4m35tQ/s1600/CAM_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ti3vNjuBSEHkFQivNPw70Owxw0BConTB8iiGBBJvfmRNiAflRP7YgAzUJfxEuFCR5RklFIXVGUTuyMAg1cjJi52tIehyphenhyphen6kAaQdAsdqbr-syhxOJh8PcpT2Ft7wIz4LzQ6kPHbj4m35tQ/s400/CAM_0092.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Before}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHaOD5nmmk5xY92OdFpgMJ5nlg5yTmBgnzdP_GQhBTrQPLYeRp5rKbcRjfrLgSUhcH3NYDD6hO_A7QRyjn-g4fdJew-IIKtIi9U91RsWoJiFLR175w4Q1JPQuCbpkHnx_P1GtlsjyJ9MR/s1600/IMG_5182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHaOD5nmmk5xY92OdFpgMJ5nlg5yTmBgnzdP_GQhBTrQPLYeRp5rKbcRjfrLgSUhcH3NYDD6hO_A7QRyjn-g4fdJew-IIKtIi9U91RsWoJiFLR175w4Q1JPQuCbpkHnx_P1GtlsjyJ9MR/s400/IMG_5182.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{After}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u>Guest Bathroom</u></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94jnnX-9jizqFNnH_w_QqJligKYa393MN-62_che5fXahOc0xaMU2__M54wIXUoQsQHWyPbR_H8Ni2ALJTF5p6F6f8NgP670eWpf2ir4joJHYgVwxrqVsqdrlsvGKSdgW4VvYBcEWqGhh/s1600/Feb-March+2006+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94jnnX-9jizqFNnH_w_QqJligKYa393MN-62_che5fXahOc0xaMU2__M54wIXUoQsQHWyPbR_H8Ni2ALJTF5p6F6f8NgP670eWpf2ir4joJHYgVwxrqVsqdrlsvGKSdgW4VvYBcEWqGhh/s400/Feb-March+2006+018.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Handsome Hubby hard at work...demolishing!}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1blX5r-SIHtCgett_Ii22ITB3-J3hyKBOh5yDKE_Z5qMbtHbqanCOuMcs0gGdgtL92ZeUjPbe7lYlRyejE3DWVNiezI19eNgNEvr8Lhi7xEEILAqa_Y4YVj60asmBn-cNDKbQv01VfGsN/s1600/Mom's+Backup+Pictures+Aug-Dec+2005+3022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1blX5r-SIHtCgett_Ii22ITB3-J3hyKBOh5yDKE_Z5qMbtHbqanCOuMcs0gGdgtL92ZeUjPbe7lYlRyejE3DWVNiezI19eNgNEvr8Lhi7xEEILAqa_Y4YVj60asmBn-cNDKbQv01VfGsN/s400/Mom's+Backup+Pictures+Aug-Dec+2005+3022.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Before}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRV7H5mEANnc57AiSz1x1jUM97L3mXMxCiRYkVBCJ4TiR2j3wuua-vyu569qXPHsfOHM6x7230bFt5i1vPwDEtgIZf44hN-kt8yK8tLl44utkE36EBqvUyopVMnUfe89XwatqQjBdR8wD-/s1600/IMG_5104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRV7H5mEANnc57AiSz1x1jUM97L3mXMxCiRYkVBCJ4TiR2j3wuua-vyu569qXPHsfOHM6x7230bFt5i1vPwDEtgIZf44hN-kt8yK8tLl44utkE36EBqvUyopVMnUfe89XwatqQjBdR8wD-/s400/IMG_5104.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{After}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xF43_r_BzfzWB7uYOUueBgmMVdQ2BC3aFqvbJAnuanj_5PNyLFpOKd2RGimvE44NeJISQWya5_GH95V2mgltePI-kNVR3n1wvk__1b177zc2ZNRh9pJKZlt7xThqOpF-UdWWtSSc1apm/s1600/Mom's+Backup+Pictures+Aug-Dec+2005+2701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xF43_r_BzfzWB7uYOUueBgmMVdQ2BC3aFqvbJAnuanj_5PNyLFpOKd2RGimvE44NeJISQWya5_GH95V2mgltePI-kNVR3n1wvk__1b177zc2ZNRh9pJKZlt7xThqOpF-UdWWtSSc1apm/s400/Mom's+Backup+Pictures+Aug-Dec+2005+2701.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Before}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYXKysvkEJomDJ3scm8F6BGNQCcmZJCBYlXkqyJqtHaMYGgVegq6Q6IBfYA0bAiu1CPopt92zKRLccS2Pp_q2F0WUnTNz26XikWZcAa0Wbxtn-72LpHb6qeruxy_snLBDrt0wEYnjcNpJ/s1600/IMG_5111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYXKysvkEJomDJ3scm8F6BGNQCcmZJCBYlXkqyJqtHaMYGgVegq6Q6IBfYA0bAiu1CPopt92zKRLccS2Pp_q2F0WUnTNz26XikWZcAa0Wbxtn-72LpHb6qeruxy_snLBDrt0wEYnjcNpJ/s400/IMG_5111.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3SXHl2FWqup_0MPYqbqyHGpbMYqhuvy2kJycwvTJwnTHZRH5Eu336B1l2pdWtOF9DBKy26ssczZnqqTPHSb3NkblO-Bx87IHIGyQ37IxPVxuKqqN2Z5e4A4KVG8CTnrkzI2Gbz6JiiAr/s1600/IMG_5118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3SXHl2FWqup_0MPYqbqyHGpbMYqhuvy2kJycwvTJwnTHZRH5Eu336B1l2pdWtOF9DBKy26ssczZnqqTPHSb3NkblO-Bx87IHIGyQ37IxPVxuKqqN2Z5e4A4KVG8CTnrkzI2Gbz6JiiAr/s400/IMG_5118.jpg" width="300" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgUhVTzh3MdReKytY7QmTbSa9lvWyMhOT_QL9X80o8_6O4yNf5dB2ky3cSDKfsIfdOvWwvpa6dMtQlR2KQusoDwZyz7wVkSP1M0y-PKVoauKKexB7HU6bdZREjMVqYjUPV9duYkwGZGIm/s1600/IMG_5122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgUhVTzh3MdReKytY7QmTbSa9lvWyMhOT_QL9X80o8_6O4yNf5dB2ky3cSDKfsIfdOvWwvpa6dMtQlR2KQusoDwZyz7wVkSP1M0y-PKVoauKKexB7HU6bdZREjMVqYjUPV9duYkwGZGIm/s400/IMG_5122.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{After}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>Living Room</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKMLGXm1qQCCyBrsdBVFINQhl1Rndf1KXeeFjMAjuke-Fhh5Yf0aX84FCPuMZ8o1RlRTGOA9-IQNHrY8U_ZTps5EImgUJbLOKZ-7_lYQeCzOC77w4V7QF2zH_4a-sLuPhKEQheHWKES5l/s1600/Misc+Aug-Nov+2005+262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKMLGXm1qQCCyBrsdBVFINQhl1Rndf1KXeeFjMAjuke-Fhh5Yf0aX84FCPuMZ8o1RlRTGOA9-IQNHrY8U_ZTps5EImgUJbLOKZ-7_lYQeCzOC77w4V7QF2zH_4a-sLuPhKEQheHWKES5l/s400/Misc+Aug-Nov+2005+262.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Before}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9KnFdbWWrD2HsANjBZ26bKJTKzl2VevWiLbykyS1T7grgYuL1H-pj7RZ_F-6yLCxRNcn9XgYZWDZLD5jGH8QomANVesEsEUQiZXKKuUNBOBKl5zDfgSoF4EgBNH0cgee4OJWxJ2A2GIK/s1600/IMG_5225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9KnFdbWWrD2HsANjBZ26bKJTKzl2VevWiLbykyS1T7grgYuL1H-pj7RZ_F-6yLCxRNcn9XgYZWDZLD5jGH8QomANVesEsEUQiZXKKuUNBOBKl5zDfgSoF4EgBNH0cgee4OJWxJ2A2GIK/s400/IMG_5225.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TvH3ESCY64kAQgilx6CbXMdmfZJfwvL9b_0UsV2QIYkFXIZxBC777UNtLRlBHt4UivV6vA0_sl3UFhTJR2kSRvcymqhTUH3f7Sv78nuc4ZTIgpc9iw2nRzJ-YJe6Ax5gc8hNvMa4FVks/s1600/IMG_5202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TvH3ESCY64kAQgilx6CbXMdmfZJfwvL9b_0UsV2QIYkFXIZxBC777UNtLRlBHt4UivV6vA0_sl3UFhTJR2kSRvcymqhTUH3f7Sv78nuc4ZTIgpc9iw2nRzJ-YJe6Ax5gc8hNvMa4FVks/s400/IMG_5202.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{After - Now to hide those unsightly electronics cords!! Cue next project.}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtjgOb53Rm-TOCkytQJVag88qa_SnKLHCTcNcPjYQuEA10bCIs8fyq4zsUDZ6Ef3OaYrUmG-kjgO6rENFrylLhsSpmlRVOBROj7klmdHZ7ypatuhxYceugGSmlloWablz-UTtmXL0w9wg/s1600/Mom's+Backup+Pictures+Aug-Dec+2005+2614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtjgOb53Rm-TOCkytQJVag88qa_SnKLHCTcNcPjYQuEA10bCIs8fyq4zsUDZ6Ef3OaYrUmG-kjgO6rENFrylLhsSpmlRVOBROj7klmdHZ7ypatuhxYceugGSmlloWablz-UTtmXL0w9wg/s400/Mom's+Backup+Pictures+Aug-Dec+2005+2614.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Before - Popcorn ceiling that had to be hand-scraped off...eek!}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYDjhjYOWZVUkWOhittssGHbyOpNxSr58gxK0iv9FMZ8NGyE036xf7Bu_E48JXnW4QDNlw8RuvXFyq9Cr6wlkurgRiDfnTSTZYGfhKIfowTSaQRKltLGYXl6XpzozwdkeOiUlApubIiE6/s1600/IMG_5232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYDjhjYOWZVUkWOhittssGHbyOpNxSr58gxK0iv9FMZ8NGyE036xf7Bu_E48JXnW4QDNlw8RuvXFyq9Cr6wlkurgRiDfnTSTZYGfhKIfowTSaQRKltLGYXl6XpzozwdkeOiUlApubIiE6/s400/IMG_5232.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{After - No more popcorn ceiling and new life to an old door.}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Daughter's Nursery</u></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Once a tiny strangely shaped room across from the Master Bedroom)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkn1EUwizIJiMz1IaKkbIdPh42F3SD56S9dJxSbFwHY2fS65Aj8FhfA9X-xFUkzjMnccx-6Gc0J5fdY30O4g4oQvwwUaY4gp3Iwr4DO-no74PFS8GZSOWM4MEpe5Gyju8hytC0mgcY9vQG/s1600/Mom's+Backup+Pictures+Aug-Dec+2005+2724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkn1EUwizIJiMz1IaKkbIdPh42F3SD56S9dJxSbFwHY2fS65Aj8FhfA9X-xFUkzjMnccx-6Gc0J5fdY30O4g4oQvwwUaY4gp3Iwr4DO-no74PFS8GZSOWM4MEpe5Gyju8hytC0mgcY9vQG/s400/Mom's+Backup+Pictures+Aug-Dec+2005+2724.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Before - The only surviving picture of an entire room of wood paneling...scary.}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwL5K5_wmIglIZwXP1-CCdnhlTSM9mLhadPkgAwps0DYCziKeTFmIi36pLkbUaS4lYIb9tjlNWGF2lltPj7rx_zc2PZxmIgakPtbpU7EhJ1bOUwgmpdLaDo4ukg1qdZeZhBvvg9AJwst3_/s1600/Tori's+Newborn+Photo+Shoot+with+Kelly+Armijo+058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwL5K5_wmIglIZwXP1-CCdnhlTSM9mLhadPkgAwps0DYCziKeTFmIi36pLkbUaS4lYIb9tjlNWGF2lltPj7rx_zc2PZxmIgakPtbpU7EhJ1bOUwgmpdLaDo4ukg1qdZeZhBvvg9AJwst3_/s400/Tori's+Newborn+Photo+Shoot+with+Kelly+Armijo+058.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{After - Chandelier from Lowe's!}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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: center;">And something to sum it all up from the very beginning...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One month after purchasing our house in 2005.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lWn-TXS0nz6h75kr5-o7btFR68bz5ZiKzsDEfQZpzEGe78JPIlBQktZXiBRmtt5JA2MgM4DPcnIepJX9C55xZbpuEVZiJNSYlEEVWzwaagbTGVuCjKhrAaFUFSFe_5POCA195u4PLwOv/s1600/Misc+and+Tyler's+1st+Birthday+(from+Mom's+camera)+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lWn-TXS0nz6h75kr5-o7btFR68bz5ZiKzsDEfQZpzEGe78JPIlBQktZXiBRmtt5JA2MgM4DPcnIepJX9C55xZbpuEVZiJNSYlEEVWzwaagbTGVuCjKhrAaFUFSFe_5POCA195u4PLwOv/s400/Misc+and+Tyler's+1st+Birthday+(from+Mom's+camera)+040.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Ah, it says so much without saying a word! }</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>katie {the full measure}http://www.blogger.com/profile/05760249299635835759noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2521308345108454205.post-20801813397286178302011-12-24T13:29:00.000-08:002011-12-24T13:29:08.062-08:00Christmas WishesIt is such a treat to see Christmas through the eyes of my young children; filled with wonderment, delight, curiosity and faith. My son is 6 and my daughter is nearly 3 (in two weeks), and to say they are excited for tomorrow would be an understatement. It's more like they are so full of anticipation, they could burst at any moment! I've always loved Christmas, but I feel a more invigorated appreciation this year because they have jumped into Christmas with both feet...like a cannonball dive into a cool Summer pool.<br />
<br />
This season, more than Christmases past, my son is fascinated by Santa and his work. He wants to know all the details of Christmas Eve, the delivery system, precisely how many cookies to leave on the plate, if the Santa in my Christmas show was the same Santa at the military children's Christmas party ("Is he the REAL Santa?") and so on and so forth. He's convinced he is going to stay up "all night" tonight to hand-deliver Santa his cookies and milk. Personally, I think he also wants to take advantage of one last opportunity to be sure Santa got it right with his gift. He's such a little negotiator. A few weeks ago, he wasn't convinced that sitting on Santa's lap was the best way to share his list, so I suggested he write a letter...like I once did. <br />
<br />
While in beautiful Denver last week to perform with the <a href="http://www.denverphilharmonic.org/">Denver Philharmonic Orchestra</a>, I popped into a cute little boutique appropriately named <a href="http://iheartdenver.info/">I Heart Denver</a>. It carries only handmade goods from local artisans, like Etsy with four walls...fantastic! Within this adorable boutique, I stumbled upon quite possibly the cutest idea ever: the Letter to Santa Sack by <a href="http://www.paperplatespress.blogspot.com/">Paper Plates Press</a>. Not only did the sack contain a beautifully letterpressed notecard and envelope, but three gorgeous gift tags and a tiny thank you card from the Jolly One himself. Sheer perfection. Recalling the thrill in my son's voice when he responded to the idea of writing a letter to Santa for the first time, I snapped up the sack and promptly paid...with a smile on my face and the joy of Christmas warming my heart. I knew he'd be over-the-moon with excitement!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdcaJ3l8Fh8GZWbUPyasMOvMAB2xrZD1NDbqsKTYhVd2dEjAyanozABZguI-4eXa0I3-YBspxCFl8biFwctkDFFEU4ksCHFGyGSYDrKSVgTijp3YHOrrJt5Uds5FulWtRJcRsjaLUdNOi/s1600/Santa2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdcaJ3l8Fh8GZWbUPyasMOvMAB2xrZD1NDbqsKTYhVd2dEjAyanozABZguI-4eXa0I3-YBspxCFl8biFwctkDFFEU4ksCHFGyGSYDrKSVgTijp3YHOrrJt5Uds5FulWtRJcRsjaLUdNOi/s320/Santa2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9vbt6h9nHooszEwgHrGnn4vKL8W0IVE_GWxvUxWgsHPclsOMYVUkanaJs4EKi5T9DnVDkQtWz-vIwTghzopJ5cE2DI_Q6Q5nzD9hznz7SZTzaJeng49Zcw6-ZS-5F_bY5xS5KRmSdKKO/s1600/Santa4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9vbt6h9nHooszEwgHrGnn4vKL8W0IVE_GWxvUxWgsHPclsOMYVUkanaJs4EKi5T9DnVDkQtWz-vIwTghzopJ5cE2DI_Q6Q5nzD9hznz7SZTzaJeng49Zcw6-ZS-5F_bY5xS5KRmSdKKO/s320/Santa4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Sure enough, as soon as I pulled the Letter to Santa Sack out of my suitcase, my son ran to the dining room table to pen his letter. In my opinion, first grade writing skills are just the ingredient for a perfect letter to Santa!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlc2fniyRq1MbtWituBoCHy4jT5LGhpyNhSJDBIL-i47aNOLA-Lo5ViMhvAHsnDhjdgCmIh6-nQOSNoC-bGVYV3QsGZ2Qoep_EmUObl2TjgHRgi83T72dDsePnU3Ma6_AhxmGdQ_RELjGq/s1600/IMG_4688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlc2fniyRq1MbtWituBoCHy4jT5LGhpyNhSJDBIL-i47aNOLA-Lo5ViMhvAHsnDhjdgCmIh6-nQOSNoC-bGVYV3QsGZ2Qoep_EmUObl2TjgHRgi83T72dDsePnU3Ma6_AhxmGdQ_RELjGq/s320/IMG_4688.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFt9aG4LWGeH_x4A847ydgXG8iMHgjttI3LrIvJq5BHZZ-NTl90R62cvmofDbI_CHHQPtXtDV3owkOvZ56raJ9O_O0nDfn2f6tU63FviNVsZSNRtbyqkS9Kd-j-mcuxrOMelFfPJ0E8B4f/s1600/IMG_4687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFt9aG4LWGeH_x4A847ydgXG8iMHgjttI3LrIvJq5BHZZ-NTl90R62cvmofDbI_CHHQPtXtDV3owkOvZ56raJ9O_O0nDfn2f6tU63FviNVsZSNRtbyqkS9Kd-j-mcuxrOMelFfPJ0E8B4f/s320/IMG_4687.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Rather than mailing the letter, we placed it near our stockings for Santa to see tonight...which also gives Santa the perfect opportunity to leave the little thank you note in its place (wink, wink).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBW-Wy6LIf4CLJ4alS-ahEngIH0L0ipssXorD9qFovdAoc6TrzM1RZTuvshCmrEIjfc3y7ixKz6LoKzJPMQ6_weHOdSd1Mzlxmon5cFKkxpr5FklccS95SIEFAcZD0pGyF9nbzauVcAM2/s1600/Santa6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBW-Wy6LIf4CLJ4alS-ahEngIH0L0ipssXorD9qFovdAoc6TrzM1RZTuvshCmrEIjfc3y7ixKz6LoKzJPMQ6_weHOdSd1Mzlxmon5cFKkxpr5FklccS95SIEFAcZD0pGyF9nbzauVcAM2/s320/Santa6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Thank you Paper Plates Press for creating such a delightful little gift! The memory of his first letter to Santa will be cherished for many years to come...as will the twinkle in my childrens' eyes as they experience Christmas this year. The twinkle in mine will be a little brighter because of them, and because the radiance of a star atop Bethlehem announced the birth of Jesus Christ so long ago...giving us the real reason to celebrate.<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas, from our family to yours!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuR6vcYHMRKfeCg_gWreDvZ-g4-HLkAnPMNheIWxsO3dxehDW50FYRwb90XO3L8WswFxgQTVQremCyEm_VY0J-94A-EP0tfeVHkH0TOAoSKLqkDm2pFhSiBjxpe0pMFW9qFGnXMFTjRc4o/s1600/ebner_christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuR6vcYHMRKfeCg_gWreDvZ-g4-HLkAnPMNheIWxsO3dxehDW50FYRwb90XO3L8WswFxgQTVQremCyEm_VY0J-94A-EP0tfeVHkH0TOAoSKLqkDm2pFhSiBjxpe0pMFW9qFGnXMFTjRc4o/s640/ebner_christmas.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photographs and Card Design by Kelly Armijo of <a href="http://www.kellyarmijo.com/">Armijo Designs</a></div>katie {the full measure}http://www.blogger.com/profile/05760249299635835759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2521308345108454205.post-75020064687566366482011-11-23T21:42:00.000-08:002011-11-23T21:43:57.162-08:00So Very Thankful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><u><br />
</u></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><u>The Truth about Gratitude</u></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For the past eight years, I've felt immensely blessed to serve as a media ambassador and spokesperson for <a href="http://www.portlandrescuemission.org/">Portland Rescue Mission</a>, a tremendously well-run organization in Portland, Oregon that serves not only the city's homeless, but men, women and children in desperate need of total life transformation. On November 3rd, I served as emcee for PRM's Annual Celebration Banquet, beautifully titled "Voice of Truth." Together with hundreds of supporters, staff members, graduates of their New Life Recovery program and those currently engaged in the program, I witnessed an evening brimming with messages of hope. These messages were very difficult to process at first, as the stories of those served by the Mission were startlingly fraught with despair, addiction, abuse, neglect and broken relationships. But as each new word flowed from members of the recovery program's point of change (soon after entering the program), positive affirmations sprouted like buds on a fruit tree: "I know I am loved." "I matter." "I can face each day with the hope of a better tomorrow." Brave graduates also shared how those encouraging words soon blossomed into truths - those that drive thoughts and actions every minute of every day, radically changing the course of a person's life - bearing fruit to restore relationships, break addictions and illuminate hope.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I interviewed program graduates onstage, hugged them backstage and continued to share more stories of transformation with the audience, I was struck by the importance truth plays in all our lives. While I have not experienced homelessness firsthand, I have known pain, loss and despair...as have we all. There is a very fine line separating haves and have-nots, often dictated by circumstances beyond our control: a truth we cannot and should not ignore. What constitutes a life of purpose and substance is gratitude, though. Each graduate radiated gratitude with such a wattage I've only previously observed by fireworks and my husband's attempts at Christmas light displays...magnetic in its attraction. So much so that you can't look away, but only stare in wonderment. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the eve of Thanksgiving, I find myself thinking back to their gratitude and praying to be a person worthy of all the blessings God has bestowed in my life...especially to be front-and-center to such life-affirming evenings as November 3rd. I am more grateful than I can adequately express for my family and those who have given so much to us over the years. I am so very grateful for my husband's military service and his brothers and sisters in arms who dedicate their lives to the safety and solidarity of our country. I am also grateful for reminders - tuggings of the heart - of that which is good and right and hopeful about the life we are each given. To be fulfilled, we must be grateful for the One who gives us life and the ability He has given us to serve others. This is a truth I absolutely, without a doubt, know is ripe for the picking.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><u>Fruitful Life</u></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the spirit of gratitude and "ripe fruit," my family started a new tradition - albeit a very simple one. We attempted a new and nourishing Fall treat with the acorn squash so prevalent in our area. What was once a neglected item in our garden (feared by some and loathed by others), was plucked and primed for new life. I am a fan of TV's toughest trainer Jillian Michaels, whose website is overflowing with wonderful tips for healthy living. One of her featured recipes transforms acorn squash from an (and I quote) "icky orange thing" to a deliciously sweet and satisfying meal topper. (*Side note: I can feel the eye-rolling from those of you who have been longtime fans of squash...I know, I know. My family and I judged this delectable vegetable too harshly far too long...forgive us. We are ever evolving, I confess.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Her recipe first called for the halving and scooping of each acorn squash. The halves were then placed (scooped side down) in a thin pool of water in a shallow baking pan. While they baked in a 350 degree oven for 50 minutes, I combined butter, pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon and ginger in a saucepan and let it simmer into a fabulously smelling mixture, filling our home with the alluring aroma of Fall. Once the squash was fully cooked and wonderfully soft, each was filled with the warm pecan mixture and enjoyed to the last bite.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2GBm5FZL4LP_hJqUyeSwhyT3mi5aMu62QK5akyhgNTtSyI4y-4GjA94bIxN0LEZ2Jbx5VuOMK3ARVi_56bU4qtWm9-gPyFn_lr6IH5DnbG0UsiVYDJcgofQA5Urfbhofk7c0Ss1WL2k2/s1600/IMG_4161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2GBm5FZL4LP_hJqUyeSwhyT3mi5aMu62QK5akyhgNTtSyI4y-4GjA94bIxN0LEZ2Jbx5VuOMK3ARVi_56bU4qtWm9-gPyFn_lr6IH5DnbG0UsiVYDJcgofQA5Urfbhofk7c0Ss1WL2k2/s320/IMG_4161.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2kHcrdVMEtud0jDpnIbWzu-3qNvP7G84vEUt08M3APWHffFvNNYcQ5j_F6Uxfy1ZVKb2sfisl7MI4snr6SU6Bu011GCNznzu7bvGZlVqXRZCADVkbLiIyESZhuMz7CGeS0hbnsAk0QFM/s1600/IMG_4166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2kHcrdVMEtud0jDpnIbWzu-3qNvP7G84vEUt08M3APWHffFvNNYcQ5j_F6Uxfy1ZVKb2sfisl7MI4snr6SU6Bu011GCNznzu7bvGZlVqXRZCADVkbLiIyESZhuMz7CGeS0hbnsAk0QFM/s320/IMG_4166.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kS1NGo8q2zBo3RafOSb-payTBXUrSe96jrQsyXWaeHwWadM77rqP2g_h0B9OqzeMiLOYyjr9TrrN_GQlen8FL3NZyFNGiOUf4I4GRgw5zGW7OpJNTbGOLj9mLXtqHTsQCrnZirQgcGzr/s1600/IMG_4180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kS1NGo8q2zBo3RafOSb-payTBXUrSe96jrQsyXWaeHwWadM77rqP2g_h0B9OqzeMiLOYyjr9TrrN_GQlen8FL3NZyFNGiOUf4I4GRgw5zGW7OpJNTbGOLj9mLXtqHTsQCrnZirQgcGzr/s320/IMG_4180.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4n9Auoss6Cqljp7MXncq1-HknHHdInX6IjYkjP1YzLJ12lmHcI7iIEG-SbNMLmzILrX_wBg-SGzvS3s2Q4Fv9vlJpt9SAbqpfIf7t5p_cWzZdd5sY3PH_0BZ6n_VfrQXtxkN0hTNrMhSA/s1600/IMG_4187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4n9Auoss6Cqljp7MXncq1-HknHHdInX6IjYkjP1YzLJ12lmHcI7iIEG-SbNMLmzILrX_wBg-SGzvS3s2Q4Fv9vlJpt9SAbqpfIf7t5p_cWzZdd5sY3PH_0BZ6n_VfrQXtxkN0hTNrMhSA/s320/IMG_4187.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was our way of giving thanks for the blessings we too often neglect or castoff because we don't quite know how to conceptualize them...a wonderful reminder, yet again, of how gratitude can bear hope in a life well lived and loved.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And how were my children giving thanks for their blessings while I was slaving over the stove? The squeals of delight in simply being beautifully silly while sister pushed brother in her doll stroller were expression enough! I am grateful they have the freedom to be children and the desire to make each other (and their parents) laugh. Ah, to be young!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWHx_ZyqLt7kuBndm4exk0wLmHzKdAHm2J2ZJ9tIhhyMjrjBdAsEVNTqrqc3269cQtogyOujNnm9OzfWfTrITsUclToVVIIQYMZVj-SxxlPvFNR9BCY4F3Xnt7eKXZb2SN2hJVwLbMVGo/s1600/IMG_4177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWHx_ZyqLt7kuBndm4exk0wLmHzKdAHm2J2ZJ9tIhhyMjrjBdAsEVNTqrqc3269cQtogyOujNnm9OzfWfTrITsUclToVVIIQYMZVj-SxxlPvFNR9BCY4F3Xnt7eKXZb2SN2hJVwLbMVGo/s320/IMG_4177.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Philippians 4:6 (NIV)</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This Thanksgiving I urge us all to share our gratitude with those around us who have petitioned on our behalf for the life we are all so blessed to live...our loved ones, our military and our community leaders - those that hold our needs in high esteem - and our loving Creator, who gives us hope and provides us with truth each and every day.</div>katie {the full measure}http://www.blogger.com/profile/05760249299635835759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2521308345108454205.post-45334338195782873452011-11-15T13:37:00.000-08:002011-11-15T23:19:57.644-08:00Making FacesWhen Domino magazine featured a glorious pop-art living room by designer <a href="http://www.thomaspaul.com/">Thomas Paul</a> in it's April 2006 issue, I was fascinated by the silhouette art grouped on one of the room's walls. It was so simple, yet so stylish. I loved how a centuries-old art form could so brilliantly complement such a modern aesthetic. From that moment, I was determined to incorporate meaningful silhouettes into my personal designs. (And save every single issue of Domino magazine henceforth!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiam5EQQDkZRONwacExfCe0URQ8hy75LRJ0TorMDPQ7KpMb2ru_LQr-KIoPPfD0Dq2hPann0N-_-dDBPll3nS0nkW3w-xvocaOkXlf9M4diW7QhgfvlFEeYe04La3bbeJ5Ja7DnrJToxv/s1600/dominosilhouettes-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiam5EQQDkZRONwacExfCe0URQ8hy75LRJ0TorMDPQ7KpMb2ru_LQr-KIoPPfD0Dq2hPann0N-_-dDBPll3nS0nkW3w-xvocaOkXlf9M4diW7QhgfvlFEeYe04La3bbeJ5Ja7DnrJToxv/s320/dominosilhouettes-web.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br />
Traditionally, silhouette art is cut by hand and dates back to early 17th century France. Artists were hired to create hand-cut profile portraits of nobility and guests of the court. In 1759, the French Minister of Finance, Etienne de Silhouette, took such a liking to the art form that he adopted it as his official pastime and his name was thereby stamped on the practice forever. Silhouettes worked their way west in the 18th century and have been a means of capturing profiles and imaginations throughout generations.<br />
<br />
As it so happens, the aforementioned (fabulous) issue of Domino offered a special deal on custom works by master silhouette artist <a href="http://www.cutarts.com/">Karl Johnson</a>. I promptly placed my order for a silhouette of my son who was one year old at the time. I simply submitted a profile photo to Karl via email and he created a neatly cut silhouette from the photo. A few weeks later, I nearly cried when I opened the small envelope from Karl...he had captured my son's profile perfectly. A true treasure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo07HLnYSpo5mTuSrjx4Hn0miHezBSdN8Pf_4LEwa6NfkX-_Aq_3nnOwvyWWRCWFBDrem3nV4Bzh843FIT_vkPkCgytTb3o7RfEr80CtneAJzc-V5Ynp6d0TabdHnmrmX_WkQsbzNYF0Ic/s1600/domino-article.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo07HLnYSpo5mTuSrjx4Hn0miHezBSdN8Pf_4LEwa6NfkX-_Aq_3nnOwvyWWRCWFBDrem3nV4Bzh843FIT_vkPkCgytTb3o7RfEr80CtneAJzc-V5Ynp6d0TabdHnmrmX_WkQsbzNYF0Ic/s320/domino-article.gif" width="234" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkOLudAjz-y_thtxwYJDSG-sg2UQf1URAKy_yC-8D11GNXhdWxiTrSTiCP1qxm0bsaSP7TjkhU2R3RUSpqSv588cLRIAtq1caORKtFYMgGAOb1ryI4eYBKTM0f8fiuwpktSh3ZkgkEcZ3/s1600/ma+chere+tag+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkOLudAjz-y_thtxwYJDSG-sg2UQf1URAKy_yC-8D11GNXhdWxiTrSTiCP1qxm0bsaSP7TjkhU2R3RUSpqSv588cLRIAtq1caORKtFYMgGAOb1ryI4eYBKTM0f8fiuwpktSh3ZkgkEcZ3/s320/ma+chere+tag+logo.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{The wonderful offer from Domino Mag and the beautiful hand-cut silhouette of my son by Karl.}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOTXa5Sk2tiGDUvH0PNJtlQnaPv5xZsdyPJ1FUMSdMpm7zk08wi0VogOaKJbR9MDXSwmvmMLYGq1IUhrXGhd0SpIMqYIUVw4Gp5ZkvCAMKsI1xQbVQgD-y3OGI_zc1QG80TYP9ePBCIqj/s1600/mla102670_fal07_making_silo_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOTXa5Sk2tiGDUvH0PNJtlQnaPv5xZsdyPJ1FUMSdMpm7zk08wi0VogOaKJbR9MDXSwmvmMLYGq1IUhrXGhd0SpIMqYIUVw4Gp5ZkvCAMKsI1xQbVQgD-y3OGI_zc1QG80TYP9ePBCIqj/s1600/mla102670_fal07_making_silo_xl.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSeIWXBnp4-uw6xH6VX79aUwTwN7lCTXlrISY8FWjDtBWN1l0Q0mBmHjZswNdxZyVhEq6eYCw4qIj6TxuuTwk2MmVfPAaEcg8ChRVgGypzFDqyLEGtxVD-8sZN381msf4EgvhGKgx1gQQ/s1600/mla102670_fal07_silo_detail_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSeIWXBnp4-uw6xH6VX79aUwTwN7lCTXlrISY8FWjDtBWN1l0Q0mBmHjZswNdxZyVhEq6eYCw4qIj6TxuuTwk2MmVfPAaEcg8ChRVgGypzFDqyLEGtxVD-8sZN381msf4EgvhGKgx1gQQ/s1600/mla102670_fal07_silo_detail_xl.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Karl working his magic at a wedding featured in Martha Stewart Weddings!}</div><br />
Silhouettes add such personality to a space. I recently purchased a set of two velvet-tufted curved back chairs from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GypsySoulBend">Gypsy Soul</a>, a cute little boutique in Bend, Oregon. In an effort to re-design my living room (more on that later), I wanted the chairs to lend a feminine air to the quite masculine decor we already use in the space. Let's just say, I'm going for "lodge chic"...when Northwest lodge style marries updated French Country. (This is where my husband throws his head back and laughs.) It's a work in progress. I loved how black and white seemed to pop against the chairs, especially once the chairs were combined with a large gilded mirror and campaign table. The graphic statement was a nice juxtaposition to the curved lines and distressing on each piece. So I decided to make a striped pillow for one chair and breathe new life into a tiny footstool found at a local antiques shop by adding a silhouette image of our beloved black lab, Shadow.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWH9p_4eG1rCxUIBocuM0aV5kvtqYOarBSwqakblYTQJo1QSwBScrMGRz6GpSnb5PqGhMOg_SAaTBx5mw2x13p_yAIDhVUlDhj156t_aQ1Akno2zpK1Lofga6IiwC1bVg0w2bU5HlSv1Wk/s1600/IMG_4202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWH9p_4eG1rCxUIBocuM0aV5kvtqYOarBSwqakblYTQJo1QSwBScrMGRz6GpSnb5PqGhMOg_SAaTBx5mw2x13p_yAIDhVUlDhj156t_aQ1Akno2zpK1Lofga6IiwC1bVg0w2bU5HlSv1Wk/s320/IMG_4202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{A time-worn vintage stool in need of a makeover.}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5_XiNnR221VT6Syjal6aPHI5OtY2yAKKEVsTv-ksSBjwmBBgmHUpPxlf8lMsQYDJPMr7yDfl96jbWFgUok2YXKOYucgB1u1WvsS9KGgelzvi7yCfddfMk6ROAFQPM0q_H52UmLyvDju6/s1600/IMG_4251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5_XiNnR221VT6Syjal6aPHI5OtY2yAKKEVsTv-ksSBjwmBBgmHUpPxlf8lMsQYDJPMr7yDfl96jbWFgUok2YXKOYucgB1u1WvsS9KGgelzvi7yCfddfMk6ROAFQPM0q_H52UmLyvDju6/s320/IMG_4251.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Hooray! A new life!}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Similar to what Karl had done, but in a digital sense, I took a profile photo of Shadow and created a silhouette image by increasing the contrast in the photo until only a black outline image remained. I cleaned it up a bit to be sure I had smooth lines and a solid image. I then screen-printed the image onto black canvas fabric, also hand painting portions of the image to give it a textural quality. It was very simple to pop the top off the stool and recover it with batting and my silhouette art, securing the new fabric with a staple gun. I spray painted the stool's wooden base a glossy black before affixing the newly covered top with screws. We now have a meaningful piece of furniture/art to display in our living room, and I'm over-the-moon with how it compliments our existing pieces.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ40OHzDV6gXS8pyup2mS60Fqs1PGQ76PyfidGLUJabIx814gIQ8LYWrIJND_03Sb3Zt_yN-brhBGHcGrKYjD0823vyTC7LuoiLN507yL6suzaEgBT8gIFFNNJXeki9V6ADh47EnnqHyvX/s1600/Silhouette+of+Shadow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ40OHzDV6gXS8pyup2mS60Fqs1PGQ76PyfidGLUJabIx814gIQ8LYWrIJND_03Sb3Zt_yN-brhBGHcGrKYjD0823vyTC7LuoiLN507yL6suzaEgBT8gIFFNNJXeki9V6ADh47EnnqHyvX/s320/Silhouette+of+Shadow2.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOy3FK0Ll6L3Nf6BqvGCxItq6ikfNBAN7FambE73gupaodpgWjai1oI3bONqKPulzSQcLOa3Pp5ehkuEgLwKmQs2WvU7t9VDGVPzWDHDQbNTwjnd_CWYrNHV01j9-jaiHjyFGoe2rW3mE/s1600/IMG_4216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOy3FK0Ll6L3Nf6BqvGCxItq6ikfNBAN7FambE73gupaodpgWjai1oI3bONqKPulzSQcLOa3Pp5ehkuEgLwKmQs2WvU7t9VDGVPzWDHDQbNTwjnd_CWYrNHV01j9-jaiHjyFGoe2rW3mE/s320/IMG_4216.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTx7R4DuO7558w83X_2ONL-x-HnJneSFhwm9MWFDh1X9tBR_YmRs1kdLaxkmnpYdDksf0vyiEpwYMc24ivOaBxVzLpB8WKSbS3Ykvm4_WeYUXJheGsglyKpsAr9KKxG_aGDB4enF18Wa4n/s1600/IMG_4219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTx7R4DuO7558w83X_2ONL-x-HnJneSFhwm9MWFDh1X9tBR_YmRs1kdLaxkmnpYdDksf0vyiEpwYMc24ivOaBxVzLpB8WKSbS3Ykvm4_WeYUXJheGsglyKpsAr9KKxG_aGDB4enF18Wa4n/s320/IMG_4219.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZ5SJgYOXU5tlhd_ylyqWSSKiRpCODfZdniiy8VLgHnCoeP2btKbhikM4EBPXL-Ch2Nipu5ahD9MeRRAK8jmxYiu6V3h0fBC_JcR0gBuZpJGqcyJ56OsYEFrpgV_m-82DTaHL3U6YwNZp/s1600/IMG_4222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZ5SJgYOXU5tlhd_ylyqWSSKiRpCODfZdniiy8VLgHnCoeP2btKbhikM4EBPXL-Ch2Nipu5ahD9MeRRAK8jmxYiu6V3h0fBC_JcR0gBuZpJGqcyJ56OsYEFrpgV_m-82DTaHL3U6YwNZp/s320/IMG_4222.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBtw7PjYtcPQXz_BIcLaK87R64GaKVE9Mh6uc7m3Vo1pGozO-M6xvvVZFyExNmnyMWbBcnCAcjtdqsKHyXPCs0KSGsyQ_VkZJrQxkX4cdK9eET7ub3IAgCgqsZoLAHkyPxO__z0dUcTa9/s1600/IMG_4225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBtw7PjYtcPQXz_BIcLaK87R64GaKVE9Mh6uc7m3Vo1pGozO-M6xvvVZFyExNmnyMWbBcnCAcjtdqsKHyXPCs0KSGsyQ_VkZJrQxkX4cdK9eET7ub3IAgCgqsZoLAHkyPxO__z0dUcTa9/s320/IMG_4225.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCfaRQq_9pCCG3hL94nCjRaVjZ6nNQEUgacq20Hgz-m14AFUY3EKNBu4DQKUUcr42li1RGqDrZbk2gZw-575kvwZRUQAZu9wjwaruTJaOZmSM2BePxuvYU7mmpGNhllMrH9HqQ06xAdZR/s1600/IMG_4228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCfaRQq_9pCCG3hL94nCjRaVjZ6nNQEUgacq20Hgz-m14AFUY3EKNBu4DQKUUcr42li1RGqDrZbk2gZw-575kvwZRUQAZu9wjwaruTJaOZmSM2BePxuvYU7mmpGNhllMrH9HqQ06xAdZR/s320/IMG_4228.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQ4j_h_GtMASjmd7MR4VR7YNEtzQv4bp94wHMx0ARRuxYbVafkNcVWgP7A4qErFsb2qdbTXzwvu47PEWQj55d1BqRlmg-EwTPuRXaGsGgFPAwIaNaR71zyryKg0Gon4mieuYINUgn3iG1/s1600/IMG_4284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQ4j_h_GtMASjmd7MR4VR7YNEtzQv4bp94wHMx0ARRuxYbVafkNcVWgP7A4qErFsb2qdbTXzwvu47PEWQj55d1BqRlmg-EwTPuRXaGsGgFPAwIaNaR71zyryKg0Gon4mieuYINUgn3iG1/s320/IMG_4284.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjezOxHVEnxgHXTvk-_JSyo03VVXGL31l1EUZd8RhieyNHRaw5s4J9yN457Apoq1vopvctucBSlugHWYXQyGRpaGBO6HHKoYrKehhJJ21BR6SDXJ8rcIyKhnxiqj8x04G_yABBKiNLg6CG/s1600/IMG_4212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjezOxHVEnxgHXTvk-_JSyo03VVXGL31l1EUZd8RhieyNHRaw5s4J9yN457Apoq1vopvctucBSlugHWYXQyGRpaGBO6HHKoYrKehhJJ21BR6SDXJ8rcIyKhnxiqj8x04G_yABBKiNLg6CG/s320/IMG_4212.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6SH4OmvZVFxzJwFGzXR2VDlsrmPDqcNuCZ6qtD78z_NMRSJgJYauHub9_LUPYvWqBq9GOWeCQ2Wkl0fLI4GqCTJru1JqFwK2Llwge9ZhkS-gLqBZIDRZNJhxO4e_U9EEPh-EY9JvsffY/s1600/IMG_4215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6SH4OmvZVFxzJwFGzXR2VDlsrmPDqcNuCZ6qtD78z_NMRSJgJYauHub9_LUPYvWqBq9GOWeCQ2Wkl0fLI4GqCTJru1JqFwK2Llwge9ZhkS-gLqBZIDRZNJhxO4e_U9EEPh-EY9JvsffY/s320/IMG_4215.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzG5Gjm8NnmqPuIfYPqXkphIzl_C1gnKUxNDXpaRZa18CrE2Pj1zyx4StYvFiC6WnLTJMV89SQ6AOR7Nf2eNpimDDm-XjGEJWRWxunQgRlnmAye29ihBRKEIIlLbEKfuG9DuW-gh4smi1V/s1600/IMG_4261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzG5Gjm8NnmqPuIfYPqXkphIzl_C1gnKUxNDXpaRZa18CrE2Pj1zyx4StYvFiC6WnLTJMV89SQ6AOR7Nf2eNpimDDm-XjGEJWRWxunQgRlnmAye29ihBRKEIIlLbEKfuG9DuW-gh4smi1V/s320/IMG_4261.jpg" width="240" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqT5bB6iq55loNPXfPae3Wqhyphenhypheny-yohbw6ONbUXPz2AU07elTJCgVV4AlhXcgNg7kieqQPQ9DX5yesRCxZizLBK9WzC-1SIDgy3U3kYj8IrnS6ALacpsSoI6mpeA2tM-tXMbbtW_0lkMyJg/s1600/IMG_4249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqT5bB6iq55loNPXfPae3Wqhyphenhypheny-yohbw6ONbUXPz2AU07elTJCgVV4AlhXcgNg7kieqQPQ9DX5yesRCxZizLBK9WzC-1SIDgy3U3kYj8IrnS6ALacpsSoI6mpeA2tM-tXMbbtW_0lkMyJg/s320/IMG_4249.jpg" width="240" /></a> </div><br />
There are so many wonderful ways you too can incorporate silhouettes into your style!<br />
<br />
Some of my favorites:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfn2wjF9bHYcLZWg2NpVjyroj8rmWeLucS8n68CcNESpWPXTtO0f1i4ZEga_1EEveBDjq7lLCqa-alcAwnxgdCOBgYFogEAzgpyqefii6mqqOoldTB6KxsMoAzBJy7rw3Tke05RpqMvKgA/s1600/RX-Maureen-Inglenook-Decor_silhouette-chalkboard-headboard-with-writing_s4x3_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfn2wjF9bHYcLZWg2NpVjyroj8rmWeLucS8n68CcNESpWPXTtO0f1i4ZEga_1EEveBDjq7lLCqa-alcAwnxgdCOBgYFogEAzgpyqefii6mqqOoldTB6KxsMoAzBJy7rw3Tke05RpqMvKgA/s320/RX-Maureen-Inglenook-Decor_silhouette-chalkboard-headboard-with-writing_s4x3_lg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{A brilliant headboard idea from HGTV! A silhouette and chalkboard paint add tremendous style to this diy project. I'm already planning to try this in my daughter's room!}</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRXLxx4ZJq3QdUjM5rm8b9FXGNhksrfQ7nQxixK_yNNZ3E_5KNo5CcvUulhAU4E9PeVuS18r9sTQ7pNjYiVQto61Ji8s4BOFDsTvUUJxPS49A03DMLf_jdDJLTHTnZO-DJBC0x6eIIKHS/s1600/mwa103424_wi08_silhouettes_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRXLxx4ZJq3QdUjM5rm8b9FXGNhksrfQ7nQxixK_yNNZ3E_5KNo5CcvUulhAU4E9PeVuS18r9sTQ7pNjYiVQto61Ji8s4BOFDsTvUUJxPS49A03DMLf_jdDJLTHTnZO-DJBC0x6eIIKHS/s320/mwa103424_wi08_silhouettes_xl.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Only Martha Stewart could whip up a cookie this cute!}</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7l1t-ztB0VZBGkj4MVhqgp0M7wnhHT7Sui2ngzxDbL54BG35xPaoexJ9suToXPbe9aB94ZLs78pGphDEOHIOsRw7jBQ1oWPxq4kXp4IwpQhiH43_8Cs2KSQRTVPg4yuSXZiwLKMD7P2U/s1600/il_570xN.192434219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7l1t-ztB0VZBGkj4MVhqgp0M7wnhHT7Sui2ngzxDbL54BG35xPaoexJ9suToXPbe9aB94ZLs78pGphDEOHIOsRw7jBQ1oWPxq4kXp4IwpQhiH43_8Cs2KSQRTVPg4yuSXZiwLKMD7P2U/s320/il_570xN.192434219.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Have your child's silhouette hand painted onto an oval canvas by Veronica at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LePetitEnfants">Le Petit Enfants</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These two are of my children and I was delighted with Veronica's work!}</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXbkUtfQjx19gICUNW7AnoYSnmirYNDdwcajAkIJn9So15B2FlG8VqWUvdqqQorbpCojnJvsoos_NbJkbiA42-nTzjd2K3bDTn6iwwU_FBN-SNBlWITtISwRk8637gvvfx8RjFkQuQvf_/s1600/JA+Pillow+RS2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXbkUtfQjx19gICUNW7AnoYSnmirYNDdwcajAkIJn9So15B2FlG8VqWUvdqqQorbpCojnJvsoos_NbJkbiA42-nTzjd2K3bDTn6iwwU_FBN-SNBlWITtISwRk8637gvvfx8RjFkQuQvf_/s320/JA+Pillow+RS2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">{For the bibliophile with a crush on Jane Austen, from my own line, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/macherefinery">Ma Chère Finery</a>.}</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIAQ9HiHB-1YJbyEq-iZX-iRrY8ARmyO0mgzuBndImPfQknMHI2HPgVir_oeAUhKlREXJaL4juMkriKKJCPKBtqmQ2JUs9Tl5zA3XNfCS1a7D2-JtRqlZAjrt2LGEG1z36kaYbJQxG8ws/s1600/il_570xN.284643661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIAQ9HiHB-1YJbyEq-iZX-iRrY8ARmyO0mgzuBndImPfQknMHI2HPgVir_oeAUhKlREXJaL4juMkriKKJCPKBtqmQ2JUs9Tl5zA3XNfCS1a7D2-JtRqlZAjrt2LGEG1z36kaYbJQxG8ws/s200/il_570xN.284643661.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEPRx9Oo8dkzJinHxMxjPwjQAbGInJ6jy6JCiepBBrHLmSKCySivhE8SuCCpTy28KYub_JvhbY87LPTYUuBlD8mtUrFJg7PRa-ULBCuFp9x5z5-A6su0iHl68nTPBpmAh7UNE3rtDVUIF/s1600/il_570xN.283556066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEPRx9Oo8dkzJinHxMxjPwjQAbGInJ6jy6JCiepBBrHLmSKCySivhE8SuCCpTy28KYub_JvhbY87LPTYUuBlD8mtUrFJg7PRa-ULBCuFp9x5z5-A6su0iHl68nTPBpmAh7UNE3rtDVUIF/s200/il_570xN.283556066.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{A lovely way to wear your devotion: custom silhouettes on a necklace. Made by Kerstin at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/craftedbykerstin">Crafted by Kerstin</a>.}</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKvAl_Jb1yCaYTImMab7SXru8z1_dfGEcQ3nJgyVG92ACMLb8Y1BCy7aLTVInAL3QsIsQvUaIhZGrOQ_V9gTdfKt3DToksK3M5k95hKa41nvcKvNMQOp4iu_fTRAr5ZBv_ei0aIS0zhyV/s1600/il_570xN.246387286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKvAl_Jb1yCaYTImMab7SXru8z1_dfGEcQ3nJgyVG92ACMLb8Y1BCy7aLTVInAL3QsIsQvUaIhZGrOQ_V9gTdfKt3DToksK3M5k95hKa41nvcKvNMQOp4iu_fTRAr5ZBv_ei0aIS0zhyV/s320/il_570xN.246387286.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Guests leave their thumbprints as balloons on this wonderfully creative commemorative wedding poster. Custom made by Angela at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Silhouetteweddings">Simply Silhouettes Weddings</a>.}</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3PxNNkgRUD406XwmeXGEh_Zu40FzRrmicm6LgfjWyx1rFA4z5yuDcyX0qHSK9vKVAJkTZJeUVQDRXSRyThca3Pbu8eiOy-q1PpKDoei8QWuf8s16ewuddspDMseEn06dbTzME2ZrNRHq/s1600/il_570xN.193827091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3PxNNkgRUD406XwmeXGEh_Zu40FzRrmicm6LgfjWyx1rFA4z5yuDcyX0qHSK9vKVAJkTZJeUVQDRXSRyThca3Pbu8eiOy-q1PpKDoei8QWuf8s16ewuddspDMseEn06dbTzME2ZrNRHq/s320/il_570xN.193827091.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkMDnJvJB51_Yn7RitSXX_HWsSWmLiYgck08KtOY325ccPr_ek0DO2MpBGdUFMp3mlfoK52M2Ov4B6_ADgLMp0e5yfPbq4Dnadyy72qNwipXhNfchF2e1cUOirI-ORxuA7ASXAWxw0_hQ/s1600/il_570xN.196820239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkMDnJvJB51_Yn7RitSXX_HWsSWmLiYgck08KtOY325ccPr_ek0DO2MpBGdUFMp3mlfoK52M2Ov4B6_ADgLMp0e5yfPbq4Dnadyy72qNwipXhNfchF2e1cUOirI-ORxuA7ASXAWxw0_hQ/s320/il_570xN.196820239.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Angela is at it again with these fabulous customizable silhouette Christmas cards and tray! Made by Angela at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/silhouetteshop">Simply Silhouettes Holiday Shop</a>.}</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8QmUCaTUIgVZxRWnn9PDX83qUa_pTqGkuYPqXTO0_TzvlbHaYevqLB7fLueMRJtTVqhPvd5yGQLi_m8hduCn8Tjxv-DXPvrAOH0ycyFCn1nyJeyoxt0599o5bD-tgtpzQGUO6w2INdT1/s1600/il_570xN.203830755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8QmUCaTUIgVZxRWnn9PDX83qUa_pTqGkuYPqXTO0_TzvlbHaYevqLB7fLueMRJtTVqhPvd5yGQLi_m8hduCn8Tjxv-DXPvrAOH0ycyFCn1nyJeyoxt0599o5bD-tgtpzQGUO6w2INdT1/s320/il_570xN.203830755.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{This pair would look perfect on an old farmtable, or a shiny galvanized one for cool contrast! Made by Alyssa at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BROOKLYNrehab">BROOKLYNrehab</a>.}</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioctwnrk3D2GGhhj23UtBslq28Kf6ids0ZphIpbG-W3WQFpX-KzmHUK6MC1vb7xTBu3-lqmK8868myzd5NH7G7xyj8K8jJyyC70WpEFSl3TXRj4kCI-jtlQw_vwGx7MQTnNX42EhGG-Hlx/s1600/il_570xN.242211983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioctwnrk3D2GGhhj23UtBslq28Kf6ids0ZphIpbG-W3WQFpX-KzmHUK6MC1vb7xTBu3-lqmK8868myzd5NH7G7xyj8K8jJyyC70WpEFSl3TXRj4kCI-jtlQw_vwGx7MQTnNX42EhGG-Hlx/s320/il_570xN.242211983.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Tote in style with this brilliant bag by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JimmyKdesigns">Jimmy K Designs</a>.}</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSM7maRt0yGQ29VIh0UMasjCw78mNqO7M7XLmhCdZhBN_B_ir7qEnYTOIDgK4MuxofYYNXHbVQ_ifoxYOkfs986UGFSOwIXthErFf6U72ApSdiPhxTtkd786D8DzhOofyq0kYXD2kqc3bS/s1600/silh5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSM7maRt0yGQ29VIh0UMasjCw78mNqO7M7XLmhCdZhBN_B_ir7qEnYTOIDgK4MuxofYYNXHbVQ_ifoxYOkfs986UGFSOwIXthErFf6U72ApSdiPhxTtkd786D8DzhOofyq0kYXD2kqc3bS/s320/silh5.jpg" width="280" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIi99Yda7Y-vKUtFStv7IaHpMUbW5sBuc_vxZZkKMaug_RXb2rJkT3iaC-3Fp_8iwu5yjh72fspK2VPcUxx8bAV6pMCgHtpN2zZ5k0U-WkDklo_xY3QZqZckMuJp34j3D2gjE-IHgKVcEi/s1600/CLX010109_092_1_1-de-53778894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIi99Yda7Y-vKUtFStv7IaHpMUbW5sBuc_vxZZkKMaug_RXb2rJkT3iaC-3Fp_8iwu5yjh72fspK2VPcUxx8bAV6pMCgHtpN2zZ5k0U-WkDklo_xY3QZqZckMuJp34j3D2gjE-IHgKVcEi/s320/CLX010109_092_1_1-de-53778894.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Country Living Magazine shares how a workspace and fireplace can be accented with silhouettes. Gorgeous!}</div>katie {the full measure}http://www.blogger.com/profile/05760249299635835759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2521308345108454205.post-59089937593306009502011-11-10T12:27:00.000-08:002011-11-10T12:33:26.106-08:00Making An EntranceI'll just come right out and admit it: being late is my <i>modus operandi</i>. It is a terrible habit that I aim to break each new day. I do not enjoy being late, nor is it ever intentional. My lateness is a product of trying to cram too much in too little time, and is compounded by a nagging perfectionism that makes it difficult to leave the house without hairs, outfits, tasks, etc. in place...multiplied by four when trying to get the entire family out the door. My military husband (who is 15 minutes early to everything) never shies from sharing his personal philosophy about lateness: "It is a weakness and highly inconsiderate." Thank you, for that. But he's absolutely right. Now, there are moments when I absolutely HAVE to be on time and I'm happy to rise to the occasion (and surprise the socks off everyone who knows me and expects me to be late). Why am I sharing this, you ask? To apologize for my lapse in writing the past month. I do not enjoy abandoning the blog, nor is it ever intentional...forgive me.<br />
<br />
Some theorize that lateness is an extrovert's trait...a habit of those who aren't afraid to be noticed. While I'm certainly an extrovert, a late entrance is not the way I'd most like to be recognized. At the moment, I am striving to make a statement with one particular entrance, though...my family's front door. This is where a certain aspect of my personality - the extroverted theater lover with a flair for the dramatic - wants to desperately to push past pragmatism and wildly throw color at the front of my house, as if to say, "Here we are! Come in, come in! All are welcome!" (Was that dramatic enough?)<br />
<br />
In all seriousness though, there is something to be said for a front door that is both interesting and inviting. We've spent the better part of six years renovating the interior of our home, but the time has come to re-imagine and update the exterior...starting with the front door. Never was this more obvious to me than when my family recently participated in a photo shoot for an upcoming magazine article. Mind you, our house was built in 1936 and is part of a working farm. The brick steps are worn, as are the door and fixtures. Before the shoot, I was frantically trying to spruce up the front door with quick DIY tricks. Like planters with greenery. For years, I'd been eyeing gorgeous faux (weather-resistant!) topiaries from a <a href="http://www.earthflora.com/">company lauded by Domino magazine</a>...but I hadn't been able to pull the trigger on the purchase. In anticipation, I even purchased large black decorative urns to plant them in...five years ago. I suppose I wanted to be certain that I did indeed have the complete inability to grow anything real in the urns before resorting to faux. Sure enough, over the last five years I can bear witness to the death of three different species of boxwood, lavender bushes and a myriad of colorful plants. Apparently it's a dead zone...too much sun and not enough attention.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, I did not have enough time to ship the faux topiaries before the photo shoot, so I attempted to make my own (as a very temporary solution only for the shoot) from varying sizes of styrofoam balls, moss table mats, styrofoam glue and twigs. Disastrous. Our lovely and gracious photographer, <a href="http://www.kellyarmijo.com/">Kelly Armijo of Armijo Designs</a>, was able to photoshop around my mess, but suffice it to say I ordered the faux topiaries the minute the shoot concluded. And they are now proudly planted in the longstanding urns in an attempt to up the friendliness quotient of our front door. Greenery and plants are undeniably wonderful ways to liven up a plain space.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxG-DfWA76UB_cYaFbmq8NYmDkFVbonA9_gqMOamBYn_NIi3A2tJ4kzE8NUIX0E5itPU_zkxiXjJNxjW2KLwD3xmpupVAeLHBWRoH8lo_U-Ftqu67lzV8t5BmPZ22DpG5GtK9XtqgubOQ8/s1600/family-frontporch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxG-DfWA76UB_cYaFbmq8NYmDkFVbonA9_gqMOamBYn_NIi3A2tJ4kzE8NUIX0E5itPU_zkxiXjJNxjW2KLwD3xmpupVAeLHBWRoH8lo_U-Ftqu67lzV8t5BmPZ22DpG5GtK9XtqgubOQ8/s400/family-frontporch.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0tMkwn6cwoNu4MiaDRF7d5E7Ltj4KvQsL9UXz1vjiOt7qRvZEUfi_IDI-CheIi294033torxqFiaZWtN4BM84u2buwlfNQ6jGePIrOXTzEA1954oeV_sKxrsT8rR98j7z3IUCH_3qx83/s1600/pi_20495.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0tMkwn6cwoNu4MiaDRF7d5E7Ltj4KvQsL9UXz1vjiOt7qRvZEUfi_IDI-CheIi294033torxqFiaZWtN4BM84u2buwlfNQ6jGePIrOXTzEA1954oeV_sKxrsT8rR98j7z3IUCH_3qx83/s320/pi_20495.jpeg" width="134" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzfyblUKMLrxPz4l2od5_MrNJEL9G8LGuiExK0PNY8TZn_-3Im6nxSrIcD3RU1W-99vSmWs-5rQX4E4U7f9mNcDfC45s26_vP7XM5aa8cwFAtuSeBGSrj4WPcNf0ysBbWLv5wFxA1ATo9/s1600/IMG_4146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzfyblUKMLrxPz4l2od5_MrNJEL9G8LGuiExK0PNY8TZn_-3Im6nxSrIcD3RU1W-99vSmWs-5rQX4E4U7f9mNcDfC45s26_vP7XM5aa8cwFAtuSeBGSrj4WPcNf0ysBbWLv5wFxA1ATo9/s320/IMG_4146.jpg" width="185" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(The poor little patch of soil next to the steps is also on the list for an update!)</span></div><br />
Our entrance has two things that keep it from being a complete snooze, through. I do love the barn-red color of the door, as well as the original 1930's hardware. I just want to find a way to add more architectural interest to the area around the front door. My husband and I have discussed pillars or some sort of additional covering. An alluring address plaque would be nice, too. In due time, these would all be wonderful. For now, I'm searching the design world for inspiration. Take a gander at a few of my favorites:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiDai6XKHnRRuNIiUJRy2zAP1Bz26M9I2DJw5cBh2WR0GOizgs9JTzeVoYFXhpldBgoMAkohKbZc9Q2qpsf37dXRzvvY03VN3hefhD37VpRMNuow34f10xyni0sgYvCWjDxOJJ5QMKTG0/s1600/6a00d83539e9ed69e2010535c30c24970b-500wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiDai6XKHnRRuNIiUJRy2zAP1Bz26M9I2DJw5cBh2WR0GOizgs9JTzeVoYFXhpldBgoMAkohKbZc9Q2qpsf37dXRzvvY03VN3hefhD37VpRMNuow34f10xyni0sgYvCWjDxOJJ5QMKTG0/s320/6a00d83539e9ed69e2010535c30c24970b-500wi.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpJAcMEihi-O7d_CWWYqRnRu6zVwHYehOlajykLoItbju9sgUDGMJgrdSGg60OsWyGtGNP3N2lRN1F4lL8f_RMqWjklbCPTg_gqLwoMLIW2xI8N0ZfdZ0stSwJ_w0Q7ItcVVZeBhePUzk/s1600/front-door-color-bhg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpJAcMEihi-O7d_CWWYqRnRu6zVwHYehOlajykLoItbju9sgUDGMJgrdSGg60OsWyGtGNP3N2lRN1F4lL8f_RMqWjklbCPTg_gqLwoMLIW2xI8N0ZfdZ0stSwJ_w0Q7ItcVVZeBhePUzk/s320/front-door-color-bhg.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWgoKvW0M6ALN_vLCScPMyZbOwfdwzDGSEZTvdw6W3D83K9_nn6XJEXIpuw-M9Y1mlWfPbNlTcKszBz2IAWUDk7WDZXeCRbPHXGChOviFYnVpPBZjqpdphBsGyebOYCAHPqlW7WUAVFtP/s1600/red_front_door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWgoKvW0M6ALN_vLCScPMyZbOwfdwzDGSEZTvdw6W3D83K9_nn6XJEXIpuw-M9Y1mlWfPbNlTcKszBz2IAWUDk7WDZXeCRbPHXGChOviFYnVpPBZjqpdphBsGyebOYCAHPqlW7WUAVFtP/s320/red_front_door.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysS243hSKahyfjaZirxgFbi9tjkx-UY5ftzPC2633BtOC2axLYY1EtCFfDz1ErwuJcGxh9AefCaEmZrxcIIHcgWsDKi4hR1CJi6GRw4dRXtWIaKqg25hv6KsqlQ4B5SsGLcJ4FXbBYhsV/s1600/black_front_door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysS243hSKahyfjaZirxgFbi9tjkx-UY5ftzPC2633BtOC2axLYY1EtCFfDz1ErwuJcGxh9AefCaEmZrxcIIHcgWsDKi4hR1CJi6GRw4dRXtWIaKqg25hv6KsqlQ4B5SsGLcJ4FXbBYhsV/s1600/black_front_door.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5teOQDGttkG2qo9dp9y_tpvZj5ts6tlbi24jbVErrtCBNS_aYEpZcW9B2on4QTp1rjf-hrLm0Mle_MgFqX7rBBL5zNHAnUOYnnguSfJq6a2AW5qE6Sd37g7glUQvUnrDjL87-e3wnkqD/s1600/home-decorating-feng-shui-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5teOQDGttkG2qo9dp9y_tpvZj5ts6tlbi24jbVErrtCBNS_aYEpZcW9B2on4QTp1rjf-hrLm0Mle_MgFqX7rBBL5zNHAnUOYnnguSfJq6a2AW5qE6Sd37g7glUQvUnrDjL87-e3wnkqD/s320/home-decorating-feng-shui-06.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhzMgehxhz05tcFfN-Or0digZiGc-FKnB8kiT4-JEciyeQosqyPjgrfvdSH2o2B6Tm7X2QJgShYFIAujEdDugaou52G4AMetLe4ZHHhyphenhyphenoRIUUqfjcolhNr738TvyEUPia1nwA6Okuar48/s1600/32555_0_8-4932-traditional-exterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhzMgehxhz05tcFfN-Or0digZiGc-FKnB8kiT4-JEciyeQosqyPjgrfvdSH2o2B6Tm7X2QJgShYFIAujEdDugaou52G4AMetLe4ZHHhyphenhyphenoRIUUqfjcolhNr738TvyEUPia1nwA6Okuar48/s320/32555_0_8-4932-traditional-exterior.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eHbtoYmm2WANGFnTzPGBA4webQTpuPYB_zHDLzE4IDXl-d7-zTUwz-Fx1DiL-b36zvh3zBdqSLd3TMMFvypvonGZC7jj_BOvTwH0M5b1Mzh5S2qPIVE3bbiSl_DHlgDTkSWM2N0LMcTv/s1600/my+front+door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eHbtoYmm2WANGFnTzPGBA4webQTpuPYB_zHDLzE4IDXl-d7-zTUwz-Fx1DiL-b36zvh3zBdqSLd3TMMFvypvonGZC7jj_BOvTwH0M5b1Mzh5S2qPIVE3bbiSl_DHlgDTkSWM2N0LMcTv/s320/my+front+door.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJXXNfb25B3bCBakVcaOVBzNR3nvehIFVi50Nqq69E3VgHynw_HzSBgWLldofZZSDVIhSHW41Ea-HaRRN8_YXzhYZ0fBX3OABYWCD0kdE5HguS-yvvEYsRR2o52Y-on1A5keXV9d2I0VE/s1600/pox90n7wysa5lw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJXXNfb25B3bCBakVcaOVBzNR3nvehIFVi50Nqq69E3VgHynw_HzSBgWLldofZZSDVIhSHW41Ea-HaRRN8_YXzhYZ0fBX3OABYWCD0kdE5HguS-yvvEYsRR2o52Y-on1A5keXV9d2I0VE/s320/pox90n7wysa5lw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0o_8-ihFyy8D-_y8lbY5THHdLGq5-8B_mMpvwMeStIl2WiskScvapuRZHV1hMpwNHP0x2YtiPF6dttvkp_XKKmdNy9jGHAcVfEooVeaB-9NszEN_NzsbfZQjmI_9YTb-YmuopGvqRmlWD/s1600/coastal_living.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0o_8-ihFyy8D-_y8lbY5THHdLGq5-8B_mMpvwMeStIl2WiskScvapuRZHV1hMpwNHP0x2YtiPF6dttvkp_XKKmdNy9jGHAcVfEooVeaB-9NszEN_NzsbfZQjmI_9YTb-YmuopGvqRmlWD/s320/coastal_living.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Oh, the possibilities!! I'd love to know your thoughts and ideas on sprucing up a front door. How do you like to make an entrance?katie {the full measure}http://www.blogger.com/profile/05760249299635835759noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2521308345108454205.post-40450697642437752942011-09-04T22:04:00.000-07:002011-09-04T22:04:14.308-07:00Remembering 9/11<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">In June, I received a phone call asking if I would take part in an A&E documentary on the entertainment industry’s response to 9/11. Immediately, memories flooded my mind. I flew to LA in July to participate in an interview with the production team, a group of warm and immensely kind people from New York. The team had been working with a steady stream of entertainment personalities throughout the week and I was to follow Bob Goen (from Entertainment Tonight) and Rick Schroder. Stepping from the makeup chair to the interview set, I was struck by the humility and humanity with which the crew pieced the production. They yearned to show the human side of entertainment and how American citizens in all facets of life and work longed to help in the aftermath. I was so deeply touched by their conduct and sincerely grateful to have been asked to participate. We cried and we laughed, and most of all we recalled that fateful day and the ones that followed with the same grief, horror and hope we felt ten years ago.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The documentary, titled “When Pop Culture Saved America,” will air Monday, September 5 on the BIO Channel at 8 p.m. EST.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAD8TqWk5aA2oONf3pvUM1x3c789UO77rBPnD1d5Q0bz6YWpSCS3om9BVyPEXUDcEhb7dxx0CEwd1O4N7Uw03gg3ClvvObks8wnMBB1fKYTF6UswbiwcYKKFwzG3J4rmkDsSbpta9vqB_J/s1600/biochannel.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAD8TqWk5aA2oONf3pvUM1x3c789UO77rBPnD1d5Q0bz6YWpSCS3om9BVyPEXUDcEhb7dxx0CEwd1O4N7Uw03gg3ClvvObks8wnMBB1fKYTF6UswbiwcYKKFwzG3J4rmkDsSbpta9vqB_J/s1600/biochannel.bmp" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">When asked, most people can recall exactly where they were and what they were doing on September 11, 2001, as if it were yesterday.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Ten years ago today, I was in Seaside, Oregon (where I had been crowned Miss Oregon 2001 just shy of two months prior) in the lovely home of Dana, Executive Director of the Miss Oregon Scholarship Program. Alongside Nina, my traveling companion, I was packing for my upcoming participation in the Miss America Pageant. Excitement coursed through my body and I kept surveying the scene of bags and accouterments in disbelief. <i>Is this really happening? Am I really competing at Miss America?</i> On September 6, I departed for Philadelphia from Portland International Airport with my family and local media accompanying me to my departing gate. From my small window inside the airplane, I watched them smile and wave through the large glass windows at the gate. I never imagined things would change so drastically and dramatically after that day. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">On Friday, September 7 I met the 50 other young ladies competing for the opportunity to be crowned Miss America 2002. A reception at the Ritz Carlton in Philadelphia ushered in a whirlwind weekend filled with media activities and sightseeing. We then traveled by train to Atlantic City, New Jersey on Monday September 10. Each state delegate departed the train in alphabetical order, announced by loudspeaker and introduced to the Governor of New Jersey. Stepping forth from the train and extending my hand to the Governor, I suddenly felt the thrill of it all…the magnitude of the experience. We were then whisked away to a press conference, addressing the press corps one-by-one. The remainder of the day was filled with introductions to Miss America Organization staff and ABC Network executives overseeing the televised production, as well as a tour of the stage, dressing rooms, rehearsal rooms, the "galley" (cafeteria) and media room. That night, I collapsed onto my hotel bed eager for a night of sleep. The next day was to be the first official day of rehearsals.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfQFxJKcT6r2iWO_oMLSwRvKmu3yvD6xRK79nuIBZTp7F08fcetb8QY-hFpEVGv4QYsb5JmIuafbw4CwyNrEH3Y54Fi2OK55svWpZDnwJZKwI7e9e3uP6bxgMOH3jupKbpDOzHR6HuCjN/s1600/scan0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfQFxJKcT6r2iWO_oMLSwRvKmu3yvD6xRK79nuIBZTp7F08fcetb8QY-hFpEVGv4QYsb5JmIuafbw4CwyNrEH3Y54Fi2OK55svWpZDnwJZKwI7e9e3uP6bxgMOH3jupKbpDOzHR6HuCjN/s400/scan0001.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Wigging out" with Miss Nebraska, Miss Colorado and Miss Michigan!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtrdIJaUngT0QOHtzfEr4e5UgLeUGLn7WCHA4ysZwG0BeJUP6Pb1lVb1JH_ONO27kPEzXwEhIejG_OTLR8epp4BCCm2RGClsY7ITJOhhFGO5EJnRH5yli8ccoTcJ1PUBA8RLhtLWxmNDl/s1600/scan0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtrdIJaUngT0QOHtzfEr4e5UgLeUGLn7WCHA4ysZwG0BeJUP6Pb1lVb1JH_ONO27kPEzXwEhIejG_OTLR8epp4BCCm2RGClsY7ITJOhhFGO5EJnRH5yli8ccoTcJ1PUBA8RLhtLWxmNDl/s400/scan0003.jpg" width="237" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After an appearance with Miss New York and Miss Oklahoma.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7ziaLidE_qRX_cHON3qVVZNxp8dVsiaxJ0F80kXeylB_YLh1g__TezCLWxoSNJ4RatENaCuZlljizVJLBxxohb46w6bNRhyphenhyphen1edDEKjNdS2gjGop7sWuUZYJNTEEKaXcB5Bm8dNac5_oH/s1600/scan0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7ziaLidE_qRX_cHON3qVVZNxp8dVsiaxJ0F80kXeylB_YLh1g__TezCLWxoSNJ4RatENaCuZlljizVJLBxxohb46w6bNRhyphenhyphen1edDEKjNdS2gjGop7sWuUZYJNTEEKaXcB5Bm8dNac5_oH/s400/scan0002.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Traveling by train to Atlantic City with Miss Virgina, Miss South Dakota and Miss Florida.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerV9p7zsVUR4VlTfLs1ijmlb59L3x1H61n5TV6w8nh35DF8DwFgKKPhBjQiSCsNXcCgPcxQvFfrTjA_qA_atKQajAn2Ma2FdKvEWTWrloOUURDgF1rfdhr3TpHADvgZ-2qOuLMKnMUftg/s1600/scan0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerV9p7zsVUR4VlTfLs1ijmlb59L3x1H61n5TV6w8nh35DF8DwFgKKPhBjQiSCsNXcCgPcxQvFfrTjA_qA_atKQajAn2Ma2FdKvEWTWrloOUURDgF1rfdhr3TpHADvgZ-2qOuLMKnMUftg/s400/scan0006.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Addressing the press corps on Monday, September 10th.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVea_AfmKiKjC-EDtfhifj6W9FOwp9RaPXH2m8Zqn6-OzLY_9KjYljGPkAAxyY5B_RR-bXaaQik7A9KoGcZHhv1aHHok_qs60qxivdEt-iufA5klflEwBGEaPGuceUMBlpX-ZNfLHRh3M/s1600/scan0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVea_AfmKiKjC-EDtfhifj6W9FOwp9RaPXH2m8Zqn6-OzLY_9KjYljGPkAAxyY5B_RR-bXaaQik7A9KoGcZHhv1aHHok_qs60qxivdEt-iufA5klflEwBGEaPGuceUMBlpX-ZNfLHRh3M/s400/scan0004.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Relaxing during rehearsal with Miss New Hampshire, Miss New Mexico </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and Miss Rhode Island </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">while listening to instruction from the production staff.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">At approximately 8:55 a.m. the morning of September 11, I am sitting beside Meranda, Miss Maine, at our dressing tables. Seventeen of us had arrived at Boardwalk Hall around 7:30 a.m. for fittings, while the remainder of the contestants were scheduled to arrive at a later time. We chat lightly while those around us do the same…we’re anxiously waiting to begin our first rehearsal. With a loud whoosh, one of our female security personnel dashed into the room and announced that a plane had just flown into the side of one of the World Trade Center buildings. Sensing the guard’s anxiousness about the situation, but not fully comprehending its weight, the seventeen of us look to one another for answers. Without access to a television and forbidden to use cell phones, we search for another way to learn details. Eugenia, Miss Alaska, pulls a small radio from her bag and we laugh about it being “contraband” material. She tunes it in time to hear Peter Jennings announce the second tower had just been hit and that both crashes were now believed to be blatant terrorist attacks. Within minutes, Miss America staff and the remainder of contestants trickle into the room. A nervous buzz of conversation spreads and tears have stained the cheeks of contestants who saw footage in their hotel rooms before arriving. A hostess calls my name and guides me to a phone in the back of the room where my parents anxiously hang on the other line. Far earlier in Oregon, my mother sounds tired and very upset. She gently asks if I fully understand what has just happened and I respond, “I don’t think so.” She, my father and my sister send their love and I promise to call again later when permitted. Indeed, I do not fully grasp the horrors that have just occurred.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Our group was promptly relocated to the galley – a secure facility – where we were addressed by Bob Renneisen, CEO of the Miss America Organization, and Bob Bain, our television producer. Together they announced that the future of the pageant was unknown and our safety was paramount. We learned that the Pentagon had also been attacked and Flight 93, bound for the White House, had crashed outside Pittsburg. Like every American citizen, they were concerned about what the next target could be. We were to remain under their care in the secure facility until further notice. I huddled with Kaci, Miss Oklahoma, and other contestants grappling with the announcement. We had so many questions and so many more concerns. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">A blood-curdling scream suddenly erupted from behind the walls of our room. Marie, an MAO staff member, dropped her cell phone and slid to the floor in sobs. Her cousin Victor Saracini was captain of United Airlines Flight 175 when it was hijacked and flown into the South Tower. Victor was 51 years old and a former Navy pilot who had been flying commercial jets since 1985. He cared for Marie when she lost her husband years earlier and she revered him like a brother. Composure among the group was now lost as tears flooded the room. The awful truth of that day rang through Marie’s cries and it pierced my soul. Quickly, staff members herded us out of the room and we filed past Marie in despair. An adjacent ballroom was outfitted with metal folding chairs and large televisions, and we spent the next several hours watching and waiting. We were no longer pageant contestants, but daughters, sisters and friends yearning to be with loved ones and make sense of the tragedy. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">During a group briefing the morning of Wednesday, September 12, our CEO informed us that ABC and the Miss America Organization felt the decision as to whether the pageant should continue rested with the 51 of us young women vying for the title of Miss America 2002. It was an unprecedented move and an acknowledgement that the pageant’s presence during such a time was not to be taken lightly. The Emmy’s had already been cancelled, David Letterman was off the air and other live broadcasts were turning off their cameras in fear of what may happen next. In a private room, we sat in a circle and discussed our fates and that of the pageant. Tears fell and fears were expressed, each of us highly sensitive to the severity of the attacks and the realities of the job of Miss America – a year spent traveling the nation approximately 20,000 miles each month and a lifetime as an American icon. It is suggested that we take an individual vote, stating yes or no, as to whether we should continue with competition. A notepad is then passed around with each of us drawing a thin mark under “yes” or “no.” Erin, Miss Iowa, calmly and wisely advises that our votes will be most effective if we stand by the general consensus as a whole, regardless of how we voted individually, and it is agreed by all that we will stand by the results as a group. We decided 2-1 to continue with competition. The terrorists could not be allowed to rob Americans of the institutions we hold dear and the freedoms so many fought and died to uphold. The decision was announced at a press conference the next day and life post-9/11 began to unfold.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCWYt0hA_9kXcvkeunwHJXCqsawr5kZN3y0WHG4xCUrpcWrgL7SCNXwg41crTqyV3Kq0rLfwrYGCS0Xp4Z8VZE_flfV3PyZ7EWrJ_TQmLe0PyyZF3WgPki8wgcEQD78jSZOLQvU-VDgIn/s1600/scan0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCWYt0hA_9kXcvkeunwHJXCqsawr5kZN3y0WHG4xCUrpcWrgL7SCNXwg41crTqyV3Kq0rLfwrYGCS0Xp4Z8VZE_flfV3PyZ7EWrJ_TQmLe0PyyZF3WgPki8wgcEQD78jSZOLQvU-VDgIn/s400/scan0007.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">CEO Bob Renneisen during the press conference.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VgxJHQjuuqO_9tNywTprIP-5iOe9PdsKE6eLIGBv0WgAQ8_nCkpciMBVLGAM23Ju0Oe7Kmrde9XZ62V8R0XSNojdv0tFhctIggOGSvVwqImGe7SxP7YY4Yu0LyGiL_HanVDd-m4qErLx/s1600/scan0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VgxJHQjuuqO_9tNywTprIP-5iOe9PdsKE6eLIGBv0WgAQ8_nCkpciMBVLGAM23Ju0Oe7Kmrde9XZ62V8R0XSNojdv0tFhctIggOGSvVwqImGe7SxP7YY4Yu0LyGiL_HanVDd-m4qErLx/s400/scan0008.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The wonderful MAO staff I was so fortunate to work with during my year. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We are gathered around a statue of Bert Parks in Atlantic City.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">On September 22, 2001, I stood atop the runway of historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey with a newly polished crown wobbling on my head after the title of Miss America 2002 had been bestowed just minutes before. I waved wildly to my family, thousands of onlookers in the audience and millions more watching on television. A large bouquet of red roses nearly swallowed me in size as I strode down the runway in a fog of disbelief. The 11 days that prefaced were filled with so much emotion, so much grief and so much hope. I was inspired and humbled by the courage and wisdom of the 50 young women I stood beside during those days. Each had become a dear sister and I saw the title as theirs rather than solely mine. To this day, I still wholeheartedly believe we all won that night because we chose to stand united. The 365 days that followed were filled with experiences that quickly matured my 21 years of age. In the wake of 9/11, Americans held freedoms and uniquely American institutions closer to their hearts. I soon learned just how much the Miss America Pageant, after 80 years in existence and nearly 50 on television, remained an American treasure. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQX5693UXynUq8P-46nifkLFre_dQZNvCWUtoo1ttiWq_Dxi7l15PWAKcjEZd5v4I1qwZ048asiTvtqAwscB6-jI4w7_E2bZT4RfIoyxjsJNQnbM7FHCZglwHJI5UXnkUT3oJWVcTht4jX/s1600/scan0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQX5693UXynUq8P-46nifkLFre_dQZNvCWUtoo1ttiWq_Dxi7l15PWAKcjEZd5v4I1qwZ048asiTvtqAwscB6-jI4w7_E2bZT4RfIoyxjsJNQnbM7FHCZglwHJI5UXnkUT3oJWVcTht4jX/s400/scan0005.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The instant Tony Danza announced the results, alongside Miss Massachusetts.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj878W1tXRHobVmPrdaoSYH17hiepGsqcVQzYABsoShJtZMRwYcWFF2J2F9GP1W6vExe71kjZ_Du4jS0iKPpeYtfeFHw7q-YQQDpaT4hwIBcJxF9wRIOhNwH_wwgDg0dRM8QtmFMK37XCiC/s1600/scan0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj878W1tXRHobVmPrdaoSYH17hiepGsqcVQzYABsoShJtZMRwYcWFF2J2F9GP1W6vExe71kjZ_Du4jS0iKPpeYtfeFHw7q-YQQDpaT4hwIBcJxF9wRIOhNwH_wwgDg0dRM8QtmFMK37XCiC/s400/scan0009.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Walking the runway and trying to grasp what has just happened</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">One of my first official visits as Miss America was to Ground Zero in New York City, where rescue workers were combing mounds of twisted steel and smoldering ground for remains of those lost on that horrible September day. I stepped off a New York City harbor patrol boat onto a pier lined with workers preparing to board “respite” boats for a few minutes rest, warmth and cup of coffee before they returned to their respective posts. They were covered with soot and wore heavy expressions of determination and despair. I felt so small, so young and so insignificant in comparison to the weight of their responsibilities and heroic actions. What could I offer with a circle of rhinestones and a pageant title that would provide any comfort? My USO guides led me to a table of three rescue workers and after handshakes and an exchange of introductions they offered me a seat. I offered them my sincere gratitude for their service. The men had each worked 48-hour shifts and were clearly exhausted. But with a sparkle in his eye, one gentleman shared how he and his wife sat with ardent pleasure watching the Miss America Pageant the night I was crowned because it was the one thing on television that gave him an escape from the rubble and instead a reminder of the fabric of America. It was his one night off and he <i>chose</i> to watch the pageant. “We were just so glad the pageant hadn’t been cancelled like so many other things,” he said. The other gentlemen smiled and nodded, and then handed me their helmets to autograph. I could not have been more floored by their request; genuinely humbled beyond what I could ever express. And I was all the more shocked to receive the same response as I was guided from the respite boat through the outlining stations immediately surrounding Ground Zero. But I knew the response wasn’t about me, a young Oregonian girl, but what my crown and title symbolized and represented: perpetual new hope.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhynPe89RWHkYjQ33-f1A0kzV4E4GYSFXrUytAyD6-nJpt2yWhH7xGDyi7b-CVxmKWpm9Lv2uNGod9sv50PGNXvyzRFYpnGln-6wR0qhrLuSKgCLrYYQeUsL9Fh58_POugHChWwxbRmquFQ/s1600/ground+zero+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhynPe89RWHkYjQ33-f1A0kzV4E4GYSFXrUytAyD6-nJpt2yWhH7xGDyi7b-CVxmKWpm9Lv2uNGod9sv50PGNXvyzRFYpnGln-6wR0qhrLuSKgCLrYYQeUsL9Fh58_POugHChWwxbRmquFQ/s400/ground+zero+1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The horror of Ground Zero.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYb4aEIF_M0DNZ9vGob32hSTGIUGzUjLPsMXFGt7AOWziefBca4w7mzd1hUMvgmaP0CmAiEopGXpKn9rNAzSC6XtArzpVVMCKFUTFkYakpVUW6n7NgdePazWp8YmciTrbY3XzX8g7vVFq/s1600/katie-groundZero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYb4aEIF_M0DNZ9vGob32hSTGIUGzUjLPsMXFGt7AOWziefBca4w7mzd1hUMvgmaP0CmAiEopGXpKn9rNAzSC6XtArzpVVMCKFUTFkYakpVUW6n7NgdePazWp8YmciTrbY3XzX8g7vVFq/s400/katie-groundZero.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The three amazing gentlemen I sat with and felt so blessed meet.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This September 11th, I encourage you to rediscover hope…that which exists in our everyday freedoms and the blessings of loved ones. Nothing and no one can rob us of hope.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div>katie {the full measure}http://www.blogger.com/profile/05760249299635835759noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2521308345108454205.post-57945916926586244222011-08-12T14:57:00.000-07:002011-08-12T19:11:55.494-07:00Say it like it is!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Like so many, I am a huge fan of Janell at the wildly popular blog <a href="http://www.isabellaandmaxrooms.blogspot.com/">Isabella and Max Rooms</a>. I’ve had the great privilege of working with her throughout the summer on an article for the Holiday issue of her fabulous new online magazine <i>House of Fifty</i> (click <a href="http://www.houseoffifty.com/">here</a> to see the current Fall issue). Not only are her designs inspirational, but her personal philosophy on life and how to live it is as well. Last Saturday, she shared a little something spotted on a friend’s Facebook page:</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDZsL-MCI19VvE1e3jrmFx5hI-9mvyWfyUbX3UT3K2PEolYTSkjRvxr7AhaRFyUfMdXV5FkZYhfII280wOZLXUIcBBxWnJeAG-3phDfTfYz6BHZLTn4yHVttgi5NqzuS86r9DtpBNiELS/s1600/Comparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDZsL-MCI19VvE1e3jrmFx5hI-9mvyWfyUbX3UT3K2PEolYTSkjRvxr7AhaRFyUfMdXV5FkZYhfII280wOZLXUIcBBxWnJeAG-3phDfTfYz6BHZLTn4yHVttgi5NqzuS86r9DtpBNiELS/s400/Comparison.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span id="goog_981658633"></span><span id="goog_981658634"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Oh, how I needed to see this! It went <i>zing</i>, straight to my soul. Women have such a tendency to compare aspects of our lives against another’s, and the outcome is usually a wash of self-doubt or jealousy…never pretty and certainly never productive. Only when we celebrate each other’s unique strengths, gifts and blessings will we be able to do the same for ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This beautiful little sign was truly the perfect pick-me-up and a gently reminder to seek more joy. I love signs, sayings and verses that prompt me to think more clearly throughout the day. When scattered throughout the house or on beloved items, they act like a sigh…soothing my spirit or re-energizing my thoughts.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This week, I combed through my Etsy favorites for artists offering similar reminders. I like to think of them as nuggets of wisdom wrapped in a chic little package and delivered with a wink.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/evajuliet/">Eva Juliet</a></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYl2cQXikr876gxVYJxyDKGcd3wGmuGqlZYQTGurOLimEfINAMR2DEbymWzhoKsUptCyqYkBSimom3vzucfwRDaWTDlzJ738-2XG7RKa17QAISqkBDdNp3X1pd6sHpFs2IR6XpM98Go8-f/s1600/il_fullxfull.232518877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYl2cQXikr876gxVYJxyDKGcd3wGmuGqlZYQTGurOLimEfINAMR2DEbymWzhoKsUptCyqYkBSimom3vzucfwRDaWTDlzJ738-2XG7RKa17QAISqkBDdNp3X1pd6sHpFs2IR6XpM98Go8-f/s400/il_fullxfull.232518877.jpg" width="308" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Wishes Machine" from her Pep Art Collection, $26-36.00</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GYayIZ0dylGypDEchTBHccwA-WQF0-MIiR-cQfZWycSNC8RU4NsaOrueat4XiYm1C3UWqKBApwMbGEDTFVHAEz_fZyoGVbA7lF7HyV2pq5fHzg96CfjZW-suWSKLkHQFFBLClR1CnU5Z/s1600/il_fullxfull.209939190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GYayIZ0dylGypDEchTBHccwA-WQF0-MIiR-cQfZWycSNC8RU4NsaOrueat4XiYm1C3UWqKBApwMbGEDTFVHAEz_fZyoGVbA7lF7HyV2pq5fHzg96CfjZW-suWSKLkHQFFBLClR1CnU5Z/s400/il_fullxfull.209939190.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Three Vintage Posters" 13x19, $79.00</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepXrd0vTv3SVtCtCgVUs27vDdfplwAj8prBxSwKH93S5zMWn5XIXgi758CH5EVfP5BbO1EmTrfozEngBW7nCCQH4wi5u0G_Ey3jATUD7JoP5UNrNpZP9DCYhZ2X7Eh40jhuxcGLvGljzL/s1600/il_fullxfull.195938299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepXrd0vTv3SVtCtCgVUs27vDdfplwAj8prBxSwKH93S5zMWn5XIXgi758CH5EVfP5BbO1EmTrfozEngBW7nCCQH4wi5u0G_Ey3jATUD7JoP5UNrNpZP9DCYhZ2X7Eh40jhuxcGLvGljzL/s400/il_fullxfull.195938299.jpg" width="310" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Choose Joy" from her Pep Art Collection, $25-35.00</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/palomasnest/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Paloma’s Nest</span></a></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mj8IhqYiivJ-3Yc8D63BO9BFwn9Uw8UNQvOk9yd0oVAnpxqNCm8y8_a06hnQjTXXaQHG03wLGYDslcy05FgYOliw58HBNGPX4o9axeoFk7e4mVua6fB4pXZjie5WrXjq55GpBsH1aNSO/s1600/il_570xN.116391896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mj8IhqYiivJ-3Yc8D63BO9BFwn9Uw8UNQvOk9yd0oVAnpxqNCm8y8_a06hnQjTXXaQHG03wLGYDslcy05FgYOliw58HBNGPX4o9axeoFk7e4mVua6fB4pXZjie5WrXjq55GpBsH1aNSO/s320/il_570xN.116391896.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"You Are Loved" Wooden Bangle Bracelet with Stamped Text, $28.00</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUN4u2mwDN85-K9U1iByD19023T7LQcz45fynURqFZL20rcQw6bxemGGQGEuQMU-6wecswI1fyK0BFJlFc7qacoT5tsOtHF0hBlyDODXl_VkhtdlE0_JiiDH8KWgsDeXy8hRUF9pmWrUo/s1600/il_570xN.194004482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUN4u2mwDN85-K9U1iByD19023T7LQcz45fynURqFZL20rcQw6bxemGGQGEuQMU-6wecswI1fyK0BFJlFc7qacoT5tsOtHF0hBlyDODXl_VkhtdlE0_JiiDH8KWgsDeXy8hRUF9pmWrUo/s400/il_570xN.194004482.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Be Glad for This is the Moment" Tiny Text Bowl, $22.00</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/OfTheFountain/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Of The Fountain</b></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nUiZ2RBtvIUmdePMRpYriTWgyJrNa_uJOhGSBE84xXOu5ztZZ_pcQoD0Ajtb9mV25tIYCroBOaNfN23Aw6rZu9VvR-RpxF9L7lxmdPG343lEYfrmewtEjHLX4PgVBjkwe2MQYHSNb5Af/s1600/il_570xN.218079812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nUiZ2RBtvIUmdePMRpYriTWgyJrNa_uJOhGSBE84xXOu5ztZZ_pcQoD0Ajtb9mV25tIYCroBOaNfN23Aw6rZu9VvR-RpxF9L7lxmdPG343lEYfrmewtEjHLX4PgVBjkwe2MQYHSNb5Af/s400/il_570xN.218079812.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Make Haste" Leather Luggage Tag, $12.95</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(As a Jane Austen fan, this tag makes my heart race! I love it!)</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0fmURkQ6_wduVPvKPBmo2pNq8xGiuGJuaEpBkLGwWxkJZzSLQy1iGcuFYkSI79g70dwSuXdAwibuRWN_2o1okg23iC6HZ9097ggFNLrU9cPt6ulZa5Or3nYFzOFVxaRGkJzKsfokDdfp/s1600/il_570xN.256169400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0fmURkQ6_wduVPvKPBmo2pNq8xGiuGJuaEpBkLGwWxkJZzSLQy1iGcuFYkSI79g70dwSuXdAwibuRWN_2o1okg23iC6HZ9097ggFNLrU9cPt6ulZa5Or3nYFzOFVxaRGkJzKsfokDdfp/s400/il_570xN.256169400.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"To a Life Full of Love" Leather Luggage Tag, $12.95</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div>katie {the full measure}http://www.blogger.com/profile/05760249299635835759noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2521308345108454205.post-1152196799275819802011-08-03T14:45:00.000-07:002011-08-03T14:45:29.903-07:00A Glimpse Inside the Recording Process!<iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2MeOKypAIyU?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>I<div><br /></div><div>There are so many things that feed my soul. Spending time with my family, perching somewhere to read a good book, laughing with friends, tackling a new challenge, quietly meditating on God and especially - since my earliest memories - singing and performing. </div><div><br /></div><div>As soon as words formed in my mouth and my little legs discovered movement, I found innumerable ways to perform. Too often my younger sister was subjected to join me and together we created all sorts of funny shows and routines to share. Since I couldn't sit still, Mom enrolled me in a classical ballet class at the age of 5 at the Charlotte Ballet Academy in Charlotte, North Carolina (where I lived from age three to eleven), to which I clung like a starfish in a rocky pool. I couldn't get enough. I distinctly remember the tingling feeling that rose up in my body when music floated from the fingers of our class accompanist at the piano and the dance teacher gently delivered instructions for our barre routine. I'm quite certain it was at that time I developed a crush on music. As I grew, I also had the opportunity to participate in small musical productions and learn more about theater. More often than not I was dancing in the productions, but in the fifth grade I began to sing. Beautifully ironic as it is, my first solo was in a school musical entitled <i>Readin' Writin' & Rockin' </i>singing "The Forgetful Blues"...which I will never forget as long as I live. My first longtime voice teacher happened to be in the audience and shortly thereafter I began private lessons. She introduced me to a new world, one that would become my forever passion. And throughout my life, I've always found it easier to express what I really feel through song.</div><div><br /></div><div>I find intense joy in the process of singing and in sharing stories, emotions and, quite simply, humanity with an audience. I'm so often in front of a live audience when I perform that I'm most familiar with how to communicate a song through visual interpretation, such as using facial expressions or a subtle twist of my body to emote a particular phrase. I love live performance for that very reason, but I also strongly believe that to grow as a person and an artist, I must push to discover new avenues through which to communicate the message of a song. An artist must commit to the continual exploration of connection with an audience because the audience is continually seeking new inspiration.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cue challenge...</div><div><br /></div><div>Over the summer, I've had the great pleasure and privilege of working with producer Tim Ellis and engineer Bob Stark at Kung Fu Bakery Recording Studio on a new solo project. Tim wrote a new arrangement of a poignant tune by Ryan Tedder of the band One Republic and assembled an immensely talented group of musicians to play. I was blown away by the process and enjoyed it more that I can truly express. Tim and Bob helped me uncover new ways to channel my emotions vocally...ways that I had once taken for granted during live performance. I learned so much about the nuances of recording and I'm so very grateful for their guidance.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I see it, the song is a window into life spent searching for "the one"...the one who will love you as you are. In "All I Ever Needed" I also found a glimpse into the resolve of finding unconditional love after a long search. I'm delighted to share it with you and I genuinely hope you find inspiration in it.</div>katie {the full measure}http://www.blogger.com/profile/05760249299635835759noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2521308345108454205.post-48061742762121798832011-07-22T14:10:00.000-07:002011-07-22T14:13:08.722-07:00Fashion Friday: Sunday Brunch Dress Shop<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If given the choice, on any given day I would wear a dress. There is just something about a dress that makes you feel like sitting up a little straighter and walking a little lighter. A fabulous frock can do wonders for the figure, too…any figure. The infamous sheath is an hourglass shape’s best friend, while a flirty full-skirted number transforms the mood of any pear shaped (or dewdrop as it is now called) gal. A straight figure can work a waist-cincher with pure panache and a beautifully busty lady can transcend time with a tailored silhouette. A dress can be pure magic.</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For years, I’ve had a love-hate relationship with pants. My legs are short, but my torso is long. And while the birth of my children deeply enriched my life, it also enriched my hips. That being said, I’m a firm believer that women should celebrate their unique giftings {much more on this later}. We’re </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">all</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> made to be beautiful in our own skin, our own styles and our own shapes, which is something to celebrate. Each time I feel myself nit-picking my imperfections, I throw on a dress. Do not pass go, do not collect $200… head straight for a dress. It forces me to embrace a healthier attitude on my personal perceptions and fully invest in the notion that if I take the time wear something that better serves to accentuate what a do like about myself, I’m respecting my individuality and my Creator.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">While on a summer dress hunt recently, I gasped when glorious Google brought me to the front steps (virtually, of course) of the Sunday Brunch Dress Shop. It was as if the heavens parted. Sunday Brunch is a site purely devoted to dresses…the most magnificent, perfected curated dresses for every shape, every girl, every budget and every mood. My love affair with Sunday Brunch deepened when I spied their motto {“Take time to slow down & dress up.”} and then read a bit more about the impetus for the shop:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span></div><span style="color: #262626;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">“Dresses aren’t just for swooning over dark, brooding men or inheriting spooky mansions on windswept moors. They’re also for brunch on Sunday morning, going out with friends, or even going to work. They’re for slowing down and dressing up. They’re for elegance every day, for showing that the moment is special. Because every moment is part of our story.”</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #262626;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56vnZJx1JNB6OvQlI18u9e5p-kM-5vRW7-eMGLlireIVEG2w3gP6OH0IXHGG6smPzy9emk-5zUz-607QY8qn6I0lDE3cuk1ng0xPDFZj_BbB5y9wi7jfNE01fjKLqh7QCAU3GEiNSHf4T/s1600/SundayBrunchLogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56vnZJx1JNB6OvQlI18u9e5p-kM-5vRW7-eMGLlireIVEG2w3gP6OH0IXHGG6smPzy9emk-5zUz-607QY8qn6I0lDE3cuk1ng0xPDFZj_BbB5y9wi7jfNE01fjKLqh7QCAU3GEiNSHf4T/s200/SundayBrunchLogo.png" width="200" /></span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And not only is the site brilliantly stocked, but it’s accompanied by an equally fantastic blog. If that weren’t enough to quicken my/your pulse, it also features inspiring works of art alongside a featured dress on their homepage, as well as in a gallery. Bliss.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHzPf98wFmPp3rQTAvkV6rLFKFGTz-WpYG28FBY1E1Av_QqO-SIhHX4S0fwL0s-CHqmXGkMURuCQCaJK3iUX5IF0wmL_sNiiqHR8x5YJDLYgtQnrEkY0M2PYBrzhITyTrZazumOWxYGRA/s1600/SundayBrunch1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHzPf98wFmPp3rQTAvkV6rLFKFGTz-WpYG28FBY1E1Av_QqO-SIhHX4S0fwL0s-CHqmXGkMURuCQCaJK3iUX5IF0wmL_sNiiqHR8x5YJDLYgtQnrEkY0M2PYBrzhITyTrZazumOWxYGRA/s400/SundayBrunch1.png" width="400" /></span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></span></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"></span></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 21.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dress by Burlapp, Artwork by Clare Elsaesser</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 21.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 21pt; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I’m quite convinced now that a pop over to Sunday Brunch Dress Shop can cure whatever ails me. It’s like watching Emeril Lagasse do what he does best…</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">“I’m feeling a bit coquettish today”</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">BAM!</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHvQvjpcESXMrpDBblKmL78leCfQ0Dvd7lJkxxij-DwKRbyXP-Hlq-YqwwPjIEbFlIH06tMqd-88-z0nNi7N9J4BThpS-4_CjKCvij5bF7IEjQGxunlr9wDTfHi7C6RyaxUbhWcKYmsv2/s1600/SundayBrunch2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHvQvjpcESXMrpDBblKmL78leCfQ0Dvd7lJkxxij-DwKRbyXP-Hlq-YqwwPjIEbFlIH06tMqd-88-z0nNi7N9J4BThpS-4_CjKCvij5bF7IEjQGxunlr9wDTfHi7C6RyaxUbhWcKYmsv2/s320/SundayBrunch2.png" width="320" /></span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Keemia Audrey Dress</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">“How about some spice?”</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">BAM!</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9mK9a652Na15vEByvbyMvb9dNJYXus5pOGbFYol5ZVK5MnJc4Vn1bqO4gkVCajDFAFHs0V3rxnsdtWRF1PaAE3MHHCEJEqrbkTwTYldMbUZ0WLkWVB7-r_4Nu2PQrXgOzM36c8D86kyZ/s1600/SundayBrunch3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9mK9a652Na15vEByvbyMvb9dNJYXus5pOGbFYol5ZVK5MnJc4Vn1bqO4gkVCajDFAFHs0V3rxnsdtWRF1PaAE3MHHCEJEqrbkTwTYldMbUZ0WLkWVB7-r_4Nu2PQrXgOzM36c8D86kyZ/s320/SundayBrunch3.png" width="320" /></span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Eva Franco Chanticleer Dress</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></span></i></span></o:p></div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span></span></i></span></i></div><i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></span></i></i><br />
<i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></i></i><br />
<i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important;"><i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></span></i></i><br />
<i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></i></i><br />
<i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">“Picnic at the park?”</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">BAM!</span></span></span></div></div></span></i></i></div></span></i></i></div></span></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScMFFLUdJvzhYVwvP7AWaEr4IOWy_Ye-3QZImIHWO70KJKW_PGE02QoatkwP8MbwAZW1MOmdWfWpJQ2xZkXDAZ4kBXYV4ba0x9dteKm6QmhrmueLinvZKU0JoFIjGe4GEZyE1TyFdvyyW/s1600/SundayBrunch4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScMFFLUdJvzhYVwvP7AWaEr4IOWy_Ye-3QZImIHWO70KJKW_PGE02QoatkwP8MbwAZW1MOmdWfWpJQ2xZkXDAZ4kBXYV4ba0x9dteKm6QmhrmueLinvZKU0JoFIjGe4GEZyE1TyFdvyyW/s320/SundayBrunch4.png" width="320" /></span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></span></i></span></i></div><i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></span></i></i><br />
<i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></i></i><br />
<i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Burlapp This Carousel Life Dress</span></span></i></div></div></div></span></i></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yes indeed, Sunday Brunch Dress Shop is dress-lovers heaven...and I'll have what they're having!</span></span></span></div></div><br />
</span><br />
</span></i></span>katie {the full measure}http://www.blogger.com/profile/05760249299635835759noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2521308345108454205.post-5070072853481674002011-06-14T14:55:00.000-07:002011-06-14T14:55:55.710-07:00Wedded BlissIt all started over nine years ago with "The Look"...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYy9mAUa-cf98sYo6myUVeEQ6LV3iBP1_HMrsN_uOllJw6Uo217dUn2YX9aNheOBDO0nIyJfwk80Fx7Cs-UdtboBr4lTmU2zFY0ymvVIe893LYIDNyw4Ah52k3BGhWXhwcyhFh5kOEUy1g/s1600/The+Look+clean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYy9mAUa-cf98sYo6myUVeEQ6LV3iBP1_HMrsN_uOllJw6Uo217dUn2YX9aNheOBDO0nIyJfwk80Fx7Cs-UdtboBr4lTmU2zFY0ymvVIe893LYIDNyw4Ah52k3BGhWXhwcyhFh5kOEUy1g/s320/The+Look+clean.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
Eight years ago today I married my best friend...truly the most caring and devoted man I know. I'm over the moon about being his wife and the mother of our two kidlets. We've had a very unusual life together, filled with the unexpected and abundant in spontaneous blessings. And I look so forward to the adventures yet to be experienced!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzRJWcd38cGANeNpMiGkMA05sWHY0ExBZW9ehcVVy6pO-F6imoviSqjKJ7GyWgo7kv1SeaJPY5EdEDZ724p-L_9fgjSnK6QwUtkzR_Ee1oAQzbykIBQ7GIdIgryqhD3GXvn1hrDbYQHTc/s1600/Wedding+Photos+209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzRJWcd38cGANeNpMiGkMA05sWHY0ExBZW9ehcVVy6pO-F6imoviSqjKJ7GyWgo7kv1SeaJPY5EdEDZ724p-L_9fgjSnK6QwUtkzR_Ee1oAQzbykIBQ7GIdIgryqhD3GXvn1hrDbYQHTc/s320/Wedding+Photos+209.jpg" t8="true" width="218px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcw2UasWHFetucBGQA5J3jeAV1wit-gG2swcdZYeGi-SHkecu2uYYKzt6xUOeOMaC_5mv0XL-7xGdVa5Nao42o1R2659eC_bOqLVVP3VApz37zWSQfN_ul3MWqqwKpIRD0rHPvFKZyqLj/s1600/Wedding+Photos+071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcw2UasWHFetucBGQA5J3jeAV1wit-gG2swcdZYeGi-SHkecu2uYYKzt6xUOeOMaC_5mv0XL-7xGdVa5Nao42o1R2659eC_bOqLVVP3VApz37zWSQfN_ul3MWqqwKpIRD0rHPvFKZyqLj/s320/Wedding+Photos+071.jpg" t8="true" width="234px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaey3EZQeFriaIv2d9nrTi5fppO0VI2ZilYSYZKrRgT0dUk0_HfLv7H7DD4Zwk8kskF8RO-btLn_aDr7XxEecfxrBcxhMn9WTV1wi_sXtUp2-l1-ELb1H3uEKTdWpnMH7d2gH9U3TIkfr/s1600/The+Kiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaey3EZQeFriaIv2d9nrTi5fppO0VI2ZilYSYZKrRgT0dUk0_HfLv7H7DD4Zwk8kskF8RO-btLn_aDr7XxEecfxrBcxhMn9WTV1wi_sXtUp2-l1-ELb1H3uEKTdWpnMH7d2gH9U3TIkfr/s320/The+Kiss.jpg" t8="true" width="213px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8uJx7rFgFXEPyf2OENYbJ9OvdrU4kikqG-kvp3WfBd9xgnsTZyEDrll1fltps2oi5QA7iGZECX725iwZrAf4COE1tMWewOIFs2iF9XRdAkuW50UjId2fGXtoIws9FUWKQ2mRcNCfkXXt/s1600/Wedding+Photos+069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8uJx7rFgFXEPyf2OENYbJ9OvdrU4kikqG-kvp3WfBd9xgnsTZyEDrll1fltps2oi5QA7iGZECX725iwZrAf4COE1tMWewOIFs2iF9XRdAkuW50UjId2fGXtoIws9FUWKQ2mRcNCfkXXt/s320/Wedding+Photos+069.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's to wedded bliss! Hip, hip, hooray!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>katie {the full measure}http://www.blogger.com/profile/05760249299635835759noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2521308345108454205.post-29876530785444687972011-06-03T19:56:00.000-07:002011-06-03T19:56:23.991-07:00Fashion Friday: Bibliophile Clutch<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today marks The Full Measure’s first “Fashion Friday” feature!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since reading about French designer <a href="http://www.olympialetan.com/">Olympia Le-Tan</a>’s book clutches in the May issue of InStyle magazine, I’ve been intrigued by the concept of transforming a book into a fashion accessory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love to hunker down with a good book, therefore the idea of wearing my devotion sounded fascinating.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hXnZwShsCLSOII73AuGwvKrzvzJkx3rZF-KH8OJxRI354MI0R5u1wPimdrXDV7_nJuvzsRfj8oHgo8tPsZAjiiLnfmCpfRygCjC8UkZJuWOA9jQiLEKRvK-FfwXehGafkmMdlo6Yw76t/s1600/May+2011+InStyle+OLT+Book+Clutch+Feature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hXnZwShsCLSOII73AuGwvKrzvzJkx3rZF-KH8OJxRI354MI0R5u1wPimdrXDV7_nJuvzsRfj8oHgo8tPsZAjiiLnfmCpfRygCjC8UkZJuWOA9jQiLEKRvK-FfwXehGafkmMdlo6Yw76t/s320/May+2011+InStyle+OLT+Book+Clutch+Feature.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Audrey Hepburn certainly did her part to make clutching a book look chic in the 1957 film <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Funny Face…</i>and now it seems other trendsetting Hollywood stars have rekindled the notion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to InStyle, Natalie Portman and Tilda Swinton have both been seen carrying book clutches to special events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Olympia Le-Tan’s book clutches are painstakingly embroidered by hand to look like first edition covers of well-loved books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The interiors are swathed in beautiful Liberty prints and only a limited edition of each title are made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dreaming of owning my very own Olympia Le-Tan creation, I began to wonder if I could transform a book into a clutch without the couture price tag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while it certainly wouldn’t have the extraordinary details of Le-Tan’s, it could still pay homage to the idea that smart can be synonymous with sexy when a book is clutched with style.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The first step was to select a book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several years ago I had purchased a stack of vintage books to decorate a pair of curio cabinets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sad to say the books were merely chosen for their looks rather than their content (I’m a believer in the “don’t judge a book by its cover” philosophy when it comes to friends and food).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There happened to be one book in the stack on gardening aptly titled <u>Gardening: A Complete Guide to Garden Making</u>, written by horticulturalist Montague Free and published in 1937.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had a lovely worn appearance and neutral color, with a sweet illustration on the cover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first few pages were beautiful, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While it pained me to sacrifice the important content of the book, I did so in the name of fashion. </span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwaaP_R70Dzm3UhpIB2dpn03oBVtVZU0hha0P7hPB59__F_WHWlGh3HwTrslWVYjWZDmqv4B_JDCR6OZjiSUs9CCtXWGoC_zDncPpZzK-bIN_DyO4q5uGP4M7WR_r-LMapY_xASLMWZ3U/s1600/Book+Clutch+Project+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwaaP_R70Dzm3UhpIB2dpn03oBVtVZU0hha0P7hPB59__F_WHWlGh3HwTrslWVYjWZDmqv4B_JDCR6OZjiSUs9CCtXWGoC_zDncPpZzK-bIN_DyO4q5uGP4M7WR_r-LMapY_xASLMWZ3U/s320/Book+Clutch+Project+008.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4acipVyr-l4PltVR_buzdBJU1uHrDvXTkZL2AOPX7aTD4mdLVe2xyHVqN1NcjjCVFxqz3GA82aT0HqWVApCNmy8Ghlq2hraK2b8shEurkLW-RNKciFhQskFhhNxSyBeqhWS4Ay30cMpX1/s1600/Book+Clutch+Project+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4acipVyr-l4PltVR_buzdBJU1uHrDvXTkZL2AOPX7aTD4mdLVe2xyHVqN1NcjjCVFxqz3GA82aT0HqWVApCNmy8Ghlq2hraK2b8shEurkLW-RNKciFhQskFhhNxSyBeqhWS4Ay30cMpX1/s320/Book+Clutch+Project+015.jpg" style="cursor: move;" t8="true" unselectable="on" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Second, I gathered supplies for the experiment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Armed with a detailed tutorial for “How to Make a Secret Hollow Book” from the blog <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://how2dostuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/how-to-make-secret-hollow-book.html">How to Do Stuff</a></i> (who’s disclaimer states “</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">some things described on this site are potentially dangerous/illegal” making me slightly nervous, but not deterred), I assembled Elmer’s paper craft glue, a ruler, mechanical pencil, paintbrush, small bowl and x-acto knife.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocwjV7K85uDGC12ah0KTAnA7fg7d5FCiQZQkJ8lD8TDpfn5NIAp2YKncsRaKQMGMkHFDxZwVEJuEowkYTPm4-BCQXjFOZvIi-o7ZgdgsP7LH5ayhaxGhN1QK9uwBKzL0usNdfml4FbtdF/s1600/Book+Clutch+Project+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocwjV7K85uDGC12ah0KTAnA7fg7d5FCiQZQkJ8lD8TDpfn5NIAp2YKncsRaKQMGMkHFDxZwVEJuEowkYTPm4-BCQXjFOZvIi-o7ZgdgsP7LH5ayhaxGhN1QK9uwBKzL0usNdfml4FbtdF/s320/Book+Clutch+Project+005.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Since I wanted to save the first few pages of the book, I opened to the table of contents and began the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then mixed a little bit of water with the glue in a small bowl (to thin the glue a tad) and brushed it liberally on the sides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the first few pages still separated from the rest of the book, I placed a thin piece of cardboard between the two sections (to serve as a spacer).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next, I placed a couple of heavy boxes of plates (that come out on seasonal rotation) on top of the book and waited 30 minutes for the glue to dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also placed a piece of tissue paper under the book to catch any errant drips.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmAX_RYsMMgEndJD2A0NSpE8PEGLva5IOhzVUsuPaNxQcB8Srh2NrxpLxpAOVD0EhoGZ3fc8nIXmmn8ervyfaZ-OJSyj_cRGaLv7quvF67pEDmz7yjDg9cbr0wzy25B4Ht-l-ulgPnvmO/s1600/Book+Clutch+Project+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmAX_RYsMMgEndJD2A0NSpE8PEGLva5IOhzVUsuPaNxQcB8Srh2NrxpLxpAOVD0EhoGZ3fc8nIXmmn8ervyfaZ-OJSyj_cRGaLv7quvF67pEDmz7yjDg9cbr0wzy25B4Ht-l-ulgPnvmO/s320/Book+Clutch+Project+019.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOocj4NW9TrCNVzizzyfPEmyzKVgvCtWNQfgM8_KIUoZaFRTxFMaDWMfnGZ5JwfQvJFpTJAoy8Bq0C7xtXtfFSYdOKVEGveNEit_VBkxE-I_FR5YEd6sfeWvZg-qbvn3-VC45XVKB363xg/s1600/Book+Clutch+Project+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOocj4NW9TrCNVzizzyfPEmyzKVgvCtWNQfgM8_KIUoZaFRTxFMaDWMfnGZ5JwfQvJFpTJAoy8Bq0C7xtXtfFSYdOKVEGveNEit_VBkxE-I_FR5YEd6sfeWvZg-qbvn3-VC45XVKB363xg/s320/Book+Clutch+Project+021.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After the glue dried, I used a pencil and ruler to mark half-inch margins around the four sides of my chosen top page.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvt2M_OuwN51_fWOm8c7TvIu5lqs1Z4CkFJAJdOIcPrRnaKfQTwh9epGUo2UB5CAtx5amFMnLfHstJdA0e67wUU4proXWfxtSHn64uPHrkdyFmQLHs9SrGYHBEoFx75rBMFCj_PboMCci/s1600/Book+Clutch+Project+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvt2M_OuwN51_fWOm8c7TvIu5lqs1Z4CkFJAJdOIcPrRnaKfQTwh9epGUo2UB5CAtx5amFMnLfHstJdA0e67wUU4proXWfxtSHn64uPHrkdyFmQLHs9SrGYHBEoFx75rBMFCj_PboMCci/s320/Book+Clutch+Project+036.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Using the ruler once more, I then cut along the inside of the four lines with an x-acto knife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was able to cut out a few pages at a time and assembled them in a pile to use for later projects.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-79A4GG8HjjHnNDKxO1d2Ra3rlE-qkF0CyqEea-2rdXqPNGpl3tTNB6jk6EWHsCaXPCTbNz7mCc0EuyXfcTf9f9B50wAM7wbFYa6YesVS8V6Jy45N9UCBtfTxbxtwJikWVDyVZNgzFEuX/s1600/Book+Clutch+Project+046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-79A4GG8HjjHnNDKxO1d2Ra3rlE-qkF0CyqEea-2rdXqPNGpl3tTNB6jk6EWHsCaXPCTbNz7mCc0EuyXfcTf9f9B50wAM7wbFYa6YesVS8V6Jy45N9UCBtfTxbxtwJikWVDyVZNgzFEuX/s320/Book+Clutch+Project+046.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsurApUMI1I5AMCN-yL96rs18aDpL_SuJRSE6AZu6UrKlzyKdQrsgUubSR5HRcQyx-9j71dzXS5FxDGxEe-WKJzLN6CPVwTrVCf9dpMqKjmanlKzJ8_9bSgNFj0vwl0KV5gV4Prq2BrBa/s1600/Book+Clutch+Project+053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsurApUMI1I5AMCN-yL96rs18aDpL_SuJRSE6AZu6UrKlzyKdQrsgUubSR5HRcQyx-9j71dzXS5FxDGxEe-WKJzLN6CPVwTrVCf9dpMqKjmanlKzJ8_9bSgNFj0vwl0KV5gV4Prq2BrBa/s320/Book+Clutch+Project+053.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once I carved to my desired depth (about ¾ through the book), I used a hairdryer on a cool setting to blow away any little paper particles clinging to the cut edges and then brushed glue on the interior edges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also erased visible pencil marks and used the last remaining glue to put a second coat on the exterior sides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Placing the cardboard spacer between the carved section and the pages I wanted to save once more, I stacked the plates atop the book and let the glue dry overnight.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBxjKsStsHTT6vQcuAOoX_HFRAr_JSk-I8zJahB6a9Ob-FlEiBtmCDXtzzxal8XEpN1UwkyaoBwsEw0ivxmOSJhSg1EG2k8MzL8T0920OKRWxGUK59UKqmph4cghSY93dfRWOsEael2NH/s1600/Book+Clutch+Project+069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBxjKsStsHTT6vQcuAOoX_HFRAr_JSk-I8zJahB6a9Ob-FlEiBtmCDXtzzxal8XEpN1UwkyaoBwsEw0ivxmOSJhSg1EG2k8MzL8T0920OKRWxGUK59UKqmph4cghSY93dfRWOsEael2NH/s320/Book+Clutch+Project+069.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDbetL0E4vv-RXSQa_YOGRK8ccftoilQmVloc0UGLPQm4bKlo_VBaDrYwuu-voGVtAhJN817TV2_X3FnMiZWB6T0pMivMOnpy2peO6eHI4M93eEFP2Zp5ygA0k6t5C_tCN-GCP7DEyYj0/s1600/Book+Clutch+Project+065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDbetL0E4vv-RXSQa_YOGRK8ccftoilQmVloc0UGLPQm4bKlo_VBaDrYwuu-voGVtAhJN817TV2_X3FnMiZWB6T0pMivMOnpy2peO6eHI4M93eEFP2Zp5ygA0k6t5C_tCN-GCP7DEyYj0/s320/Book+Clutch+Project+065.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the morning, I removed the stacks of plates and the cardboard spacer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All interior and exterior edges were completely dry, solid and ready for the final step: lining the interior with fabric.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I selected a coordinating Alexander Henry bird print and then sized a ¼-yard piece to the interior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I marked the size with a chalk pencil and sewed corners, also turning raw edges in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Figuring all purpose tacky glue might work better at bonding the fabric to the paper, I applied it instead of the paper craft glue to the interior of the book and then pressed the fabric into place.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfZidOeUKkAj0BZNDrkk2e1wDzP273TA8IpklE-Z-eGbt-SKrTEJTTB9tzRj5-_0kF8Oqt_mix9V1QEfXb848UhaVakmOzHKK4DyeyC4DcFD6YkxZDZpUG4jrBrD_fBF-IKDpDcS-0CTd/s1600/Book+Clutch+Project+071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfZidOeUKkAj0BZNDrkk2e1wDzP273TA8IpklE-Z-eGbt-SKrTEJTTB9tzRj5-_0kF8Oqt_mix9V1QEfXb848UhaVakmOzHKK4DyeyC4DcFD6YkxZDZpUG4jrBrD_fBF-IKDpDcS-0CTd/s320/Book+Clutch+Project+071.jpg" t8="true" width="240px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03fRo5ZrTejTwPwAiqYpCB7Hr-hkm8b2oUa75tE8u_3ztN6D6u-owYZWURVG8sBps0S1k6GbAoFw-VyycGpV6kegeXmElIj1NQlwLboLN7gDSpQ5hIQGCE24cRrDvkDHLZZN_t6BKurTW/s1600/Book+Clutch+Project+072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03fRo5ZrTejTwPwAiqYpCB7Hr-hkm8b2oUa75tE8u_3ztN6D6u-owYZWURVG8sBps0S1k6GbAoFw-VyycGpV6kegeXmElIj1NQlwLboLN7gDSpQ5hIQGCE24cRrDvkDHLZZN_t6BKurTW/s320/Book+Clutch+Project+072.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And within a matter of minutes…<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">voila</i>!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A book clutch of my very own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m so glad I retained the first few pages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were just too pretty to discard and look wonderful with the fabric.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The size is perfect for a few essentials and when closed, looks as if I’m simply a hopeless romantic dreaming of the perfect English garden.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGEb31fWjExaAYOdp0Eg1lRhDM_mATi2Gl6Vs_b1sNnRosmeVtPrZ440TFkO65klmp_7OLDUHrHQTOt46t9XgGMbtNirnCrS2O0XNCTYE_08MpZQmb0vPcms9UlQvGqJEhC2zBmmbM4KJ/s1600/Book+Clutch+Project+076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGEb31fWjExaAYOdp0Eg1lRhDM_mATi2Gl6Vs_b1sNnRosmeVtPrZ440TFkO65klmp_7OLDUHrHQTOt46t9XgGMbtNirnCrS2O0XNCTYE_08MpZQmb0vPcms9UlQvGqJEhC2zBmmbM4KJ/s320/Book+Clutch+Project+076.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhxFTL9B7EvREC0tmshk0_gwaqOEZrXecnWK8OCYJUomHma9xjOpUFsi5MmrfakpJ7comCsgKmIydKjzKIS1XsW5lY1TxXa4-8Ix7jdnHzYPloKGnLlceJ5-9ytqo6uE42mZn3rhY4aZN/s1600/Book+Clutch+Project+079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhxFTL9B7EvREC0tmshk0_gwaqOEZrXecnWK8OCYJUomHma9xjOpUFsi5MmrfakpJ7comCsgKmIydKjzKIS1XsW5lY1TxXa4-8Ix7jdnHzYPloKGnLlceJ5-9ytqo6uE42mZn3rhY4aZN/s320/Book+Clutch+Project+079.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh366I0pQWJzpJmqedFBhglLAPoh1CA5o-x3kpWfkuphJPYPHwk0TuFdddyIBLCrhBlLvg-smaLYYFd_JWD7cgeYCXXWf9uoCP8YlFsAHdDs6bF5vLI6he6uJnXLeE_ehYb-eZiHazsJ7sV/s1600/Book+Clutch+Project+085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh366I0pQWJzpJmqedFBhglLAPoh1CA5o-x3kpWfkuphJPYPHwk0TuFdddyIBLCrhBlLvg-smaLYYFd_JWD7cgeYCXXWf9uoCP8YlFsAHdDs6bF5vLI6he6uJnXLeE_ehYb-eZiHazsJ7sV/s320/Book+Clutch+Project+085.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In preparation for the next opportunity to don my newest accessory, I rushed to my closet to whip up an ensemble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On a lovely day – perhaps while perusing the farmer’s market downtown – I’ll pair it with a striped <a href="http://www.katespade.com/">Kate Spade</a> dress, vintage Rebecca Taylor espadrilles, Tom Ford cat eye sunglasses and my favorite summer cloche, handmade by <a href="http://www.pinkhammillinery.com/">Pinkham Millinery</a> in Portland.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKvYcs0IzSz3fpv4fYjYjoOR00dWcTGdjUZZWu5K1GQtkG1B-gtB9RVUEmwGQFzMFJi4Y_7rMI4YWEhbPouuWG93k3VKZSZVJYBOL2HV3ZYGsCBbQGFsTeIRlkLJPuCwO50rjZeiMo6Hl/s1600/Book+Clutch+Project-Outfit+Option+RS2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKvYcs0IzSz3fpv4fYjYjoOR00dWcTGdjUZZWu5K1GQtkG1B-gtB9RVUEmwGQFzMFJi4Y_7rMI4YWEhbPouuWG93k3VKZSZVJYBOL2HV3ZYGsCBbQGFsTeIRlkLJPuCwO50rjZeiMo6Hl/s320/Book+Clutch+Project-Outfit+Option+RS2.jpg" t8="true" width="240px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lpstZtbtNUnDlAH9Sa3jYMAwMGxGycOUo0_7Aa8pOixBGVRMXd1Y5WSilqW_pZ54Ko4KSSG59IbX4OQQnC_Ukybj6jNWExtm5_qi-wsH1vVuHewWWl_hH1uIcu2VlHSrkQMrz8yI5V_D/s1600/Book+Clutch+Project-Outfit+Option+RT+Espadrilles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lpstZtbtNUnDlAH9Sa3jYMAwMGxGycOUo0_7Aa8pOixBGVRMXd1Y5WSilqW_pZ54Ko4KSSG59IbX4OQQnC_Ukybj6jNWExtm5_qi-wsH1vVuHewWWl_hH1uIcu2VlHSrkQMrz8yI5V_D/s320/Book+Clutch+Project-Outfit+Option+RT+Espadrilles.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKh0x9BhjqbwON6ZFQu4xN3Kui9ld9QhlCoUZwULkklfAcVb0yCf8f8QUNmBQgZ1iOOv6txIaZNGmon8dFSjqva6slUmc0wCY6deo7QmnEod1K4ednjVsT-yTncLHZGobp9927SSn_KYtc/s1600/Book+Clutch+Project-Outfit+Option+Hat-SGlasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKh0x9BhjqbwON6ZFQu4xN3Kui9ld9QhlCoUZwULkklfAcVb0yCf8f8QUNmBQgZ1iOOv6txIaZNGmon8dFSjqva6slUmc0wCY6deo7QmnEod1K4ednjVsT-yTncLHZGobp9927SSn_KYtc/s320/Book+Clutch+Project-Outfit+Option+Hat-SGlasses.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hope to exude a studiously-chic vibe…with a little extra change jangling in my pockets. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div></span></span>katie {the full measure}http://www.blogger.com/profile/05760249299635835759noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2521308345108454205.post-55585398970925259862011-06-02T09:15:00.000-07:002011-06-02T09:15:57.378-07:00Marveling at Motherhood<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I’m so sorry I’ve been remise in writing this past month!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are seasons, be they short or long, where routines shift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my case this has been a season I’ve now titled, “Adventures in Parenting: Time Spent is Never Wasted.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My children are both at ages where they seem to need constant attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lately, I keep a super-close watch on my two-year-old to keep her out of trouble (she finds it, too) and I’ve spent quite a bit of time watching my six-year-old swing a bat during baseball games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watch my two-year-old’s eyes grow large with wonder as she presses her nose against the glass at a jewelry store, and I watch my six-year-old sound his way through a difficult word while reading a sentence in a book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watch my two-year-old walk up to an elderly lady at a restaurant just to say hi and offer a smile, and I watch my six-year-old help his dad in the yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watch my children fight and roll around in the mud as if stain-fighting detergent grew on trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watch their minds change as much as their moods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watch them sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watch them laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watch them grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try ever so hard to be sure they feel loved and give them my attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while I enjoy it, I’m sometimes exhausted.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Last month, I also watched my mother become a caregiver again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both her children are grown with families of their own, and she and my father greatly enjoy retirement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when her mother (my grandmother) was scheduled for emergency open-heart surgery with one day’s notice, Mom’s routine changed dramatically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She became the parent to her mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While my grandmother needed constant attention on her improvement, Mom faithfully put her life on hold to watch and care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were nights at the hospital where she refused sleep just to watch her mother sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know she had to sacrifice her comforts during that time, but I also know how much it meant to my grandmother that she was shown love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother was also able to see a new side of her father while he learned to be more self-sufficient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without prompting he began to run errands and fold the laundry, as well as express his gratitude for my mother and aunt’s assistance with genuine feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something my mother did not expect, but greatly appreciated.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lesson learned: time spent with loved ones + routine shift = unforeseen blessings.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This lesson is quite apropos considering the joyous celebrations of both Easter and Mother’s Day these past months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both occasions were beautifully simple for us this year…opportunities to be present and praiseful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will most likely set the tone for all other holidays this year, as our routine shift seems to have made my husband and me more spontaneous, if merely in an effort to retain some semblance of sanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just when I was feeling especially exhausted by the joys/challenges of motherhood, my son and I shared a very special moment together as the sun faded on Easter evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent Easter weekend at the Oregon Coast with family and friends and had to make a five hour trek home on Sunday evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids were worn out from the day’s activities and my daughter went straight to bed when we arrived home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once she was settled and my husband’s head hit the pillow he was fast asleep, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My son padded into our room though and snuggled with me to read one of my favorite children’s books, <u>The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes</u>.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLiR0fi90huedgMYmdJ9LuPZalfvTDiUtoQJcCbzSkcv3Ey8TknhFxZz6u1toiavDkYHBXtJxo3oIEYtEdryzYjxKwaF4pI_d4jem8BgYkoqsOYGs2CucgvySCc9DBRtGitSzHt_dt4xh/s1600/The-Country-Bunny+cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLiR0fi90huedgMYmdJ9LuPZalfvTDiUtoQJcCbzSkcv3Ey8TknhFxZz6u1toiavDkYHBXtJxo3oIEYtEdryzYjxKwaF4pI_d4jem8BgYkoqsOYGs2CucgvySCc9DBRtGitSzHt_dt4xh/s1600/The-Country-Bunny+cover.png" t8="true" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><stroke joinstyle="miter"></stroke><formulas><f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></f><f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></f><f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></f><f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></f><f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></f></formulas><path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></path><lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></lock></shapetype></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I’m a sucker for children’s stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it doesn’t matter what time of the month it is, I sniffle through certain scenes in the Disney movie <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cars</i> and brush full tears from my cheeks at the end of the book <u>Corduroy</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This beautiful story is no exception – in fact, it has become the rule.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes</span></u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> was written by DuBose Heyward for his daughter in 1939.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also wrote <u>Porgy</u> from which George Gershwin formed his famous opera <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Porgy and Bess</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(The beautiful ballad “Summertime” from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Porgy and Bess</i> is a staple piece for me at symphony and concert engagements, and I am in deep admiration of Mr. Heyward’s lyrical prowess.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Illustrator Marjorie Flack fashioned the most glorious images around Mr. Heyward’s tale of Cottontail and her journey to becoming an Easter Bunny.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the story, Cottontail – a plain brown country bunny with “a little cotton-ball of a tail” – set her sights on becoming one of five Easter Bunnies, for they were the kindest, swiftest and wisest bunnies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As she grew, she was repeatedly told by the big white bunnies in fine houses and swift Jack Rabbits with long legs to mind her true place in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She kept the dream in her heart, but time marched forward and she became a wife and mother to 21 babies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one point she stopped dreaming of becoming an Easter Bunny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her growing children were in need of her full attention and she taught them how to mind the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each was given a special task and learned to do their task with precision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaR_N4KXIh5ggbKSkwkFSn3PWESI0CkytR9R6ODDzqFTqeZ2ni-vRjKj-NeXuIynOuMJP5syMUfGAUdYhH3APz3yrS4jndmpmQtY4L8lk6HdVGmTEZ0ApyGsfcAhpLgS6yq-G4v1j2QIF/s1600/The-Country-Bunny-image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaR_N4KXIh5ggbKSkwkFSn3PWESI0CkytR9R6ODDzqFTqeZ2ni-vRjKj-NeXuIynOuMJP5syMUfGAUdYhH3APz3yrS4jndmpmQtY4L8lk6HdVGmTEZ0ApyGsfcAhpLgS6yq-G4v1j2QIF/s320/The-Country-Bunny-image.jpg" t8="true" width="253px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Enbv7jDrRDXxm6eNSZlyNRbqA3A4fNR9ZevzaUvBAF5yi7r76NRc78F7XpntEuOfFPWhuPvhCg_KrjxHJL4tFBq8qS4r2zuSS4hpvHpyJVYnH3yHdeE8QIt_sR1md1sS_Sb3ZwJO3gkx/s1600/the+country+bunny+page.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Enbv7jDrRDXxm6eNSZlyNRbqA3A4fNR9ZevzaUvBAF5yi7r76NRc78F7XpntEuOfFPWhuPvhCg_KrjxHJL4tFBq8qS4r2zuSS4hpvHpyJVYnH3yHdeE8QIt_sR1md1sS_Sb3ZwJO3gkx/s320/the+country+bunny+page.bmp" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One day, word spread to Cottontail and her family that one of the five lo</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">ng-time Easter Bunnies had grown too slow and there was to be a new bunny selected to take his place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cottontail proved to be the perfect candidate for the position as she displayed her ability to be kind in how she ran her household, swift in how she rounded up her 21 children and wise in how she taught them to master each of their responsibilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was therefore elected the newest Easter Bunnny and left the country on Easter Eve to fulfill her responsibilities while her children tended to the house – after all, she had taught them to be self-sufficient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That evening she proved to be not only kind, swift and wise, but also brave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was given a pair of gold shoes to complete a very difficult task, which she did with courage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the sun rose on Easter morning and with her egg deliveries done, she returned home to find everything in place just as it should be and all 21 bunnies asleep in their little beds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tiny pair of gold shoes hung in a special place on the wall from a special hook – a reminder of her accomplishment.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The story’s simplicity delivers a wallop of a message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That Easter evening, I needed a little push to put more faith in motherhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For so many mothers with a dream, trying to “be it all” can be downright draining and the reward often seems hidden from sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But just like in the story, the reward becomes clearly evident if we first put the time into teaching our children to tend to life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which takes dedication, patience and many wonderful watchful hours, days, months and years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Snuggled up with my son and the story, I felt at peace, but all the more motivated to invest in my children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the watching and waiting is never for nothing and always for the best.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48aYpyybULvuPukFl-MAIw8YXw3bixWRo_unRN_MrDuv8z5eUbfT90sAzDe-hTWxD3aYfIDpkPPWV2kfrFHmUf6vSSOBZSSDFKGsnG9z2vl3JXz9v6-OiatDX-zZyDsylZAuYHK7_Q7eh/s1600/bunny%252Bmask-1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48aYpyybULvuPukFl-MAIw8YXw3bixWRo_unRN_MrDuv8z5eUbfT90sAzDe-hTWxD3aYfIDpkPPWV2kfrFHmUf6vSSOBZSSDFKGsnG9z2vl3JXz9v6-OiatDX-zZyDsylZAuYHK7_Q7eh/s320/bunny%252Bmask-1-1.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Gianni Penati </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">February 15, 1965 issue of Vogue</span></span></div>katie {the full measure}http://www.blogger.com/profile/05760249299635835759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2521308345108454205.post-8685150904207458452011-04-26T12:47:00.000-07:002011-04-26T12:49:04.572-07:00Domestic BlissJust a quick little post today to share about my new friend Janell's gorgeous online magazine, <a href="http://www.houseoffifty.com/">House of Fifty</a>! Janell is a fellow Oregonian with an immensely beautiful blog, <a href="http://isabellaandmaxrooms.blogspot.com/">Isabella & Max Rooms</a>, where she gifts super-duper helpful design advice, inspiration and insight about fashioning a chic home. The premiere issue of House of Fifty hit the web yesterday...and is a true triumph!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houseoffifty.com/"><img border="0" height="320px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODWN-_X4GeKNcyAxroXrCfGkvOQ53ZW4n9GvSlYWO8ZFR4tgHFieAz5K2qPHIl3e2RMJVw1kLkjSgURY37DaNqI2etejm5hT8X5pIYGSWKigBq3B7dWVybcEW2EoknUm6U7i29c_WNj89/s320/House+of+Fifty+cover.png" width="246px" /></a></div><br />
It has sumptuous photos, fantastic articles and practical how-to...the trifecta of magazine content. Domestic bliss! Read and enjoy!!katie {the full measure}http://www.blogger.com/profile/05760249299635835759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2521308345108454205.post-88319252266200814832011-04-17T01:10:00.000-07:002011-04-17T01:29:37.103-07:00Cooking to Live Well<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If I were a single woman with a high-profile career living in New York City, I can guarantee one thing: my kitchen cabinets would actually store shoes rather than dishes…or food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cold, hard truth is that cooking and I have had a rocky relationship since college, and it became all the more dysfunctional when I became a wife and a mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It became downright destructive when we moved to the country because there were far fewer opportunities to “take out” or fake a headache to get out of making dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And for heaven’s sake, I’m plopped right in the heart of God’s country, surrounded by organic farms and capable farmers, as well as nutrient rich soil and a little patch to grow things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have food-whisperers for friends, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather than botch a batch of cupcakes to take to my son’s classroom in celebration of his birthday, I prefer to save myself the embarrassment and ask a favor from my friend Cindy, a true baking wiz with a very successful cake business to prove it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last year, I called my friend Kristen (another baking wiz) to ask just what the heck to do with the five large zucchinis I plucked from my garden, for I certainly didn’t have a clue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She traded me recipes for wardrobe advice; I was more than happy to deflect from my culinary shortcomings with a discussion on choosing the right cashmere cardigan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I am convinced my friend Lindsay shares the same DNA as Martha Stewart – she is divinely domestic and can whip up a gourmet meal as if it were a little Sunday stroll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">In true resolution form, I vowed to mend my relationship with cooking this past January.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I simply couldn’t justify one more dinner disappointment or box of macaroni and cheese.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now don’t get me wrong, I care very much about what I feed my family and I want my children to grow up on balanced meals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m also a huge supporter of the organic movement, especially since I have a front row seat to the production of so many certified organic farms in my area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, I find great enjoyment in growing produce in my own garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I simply lack the confidence to aspire to greatness in cooking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I have learned one thing in my career as a performer, it would be this: if one lacks the confidence to aspire, opportunities to ever reach aspirations will simply cease to exist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the past ten years, I’d officially labeled myself domestically disabled and laughed it off...until now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to further stifle opportunities for my aspirations to grow.</span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Last Sunday was a turning point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My entire family has been struggling with the flu over the past week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While sprawled on the couch in Cleopatra fashion, feeling just awful and trying to keep my children from sneezing on absolutely every surface of the house, I switched on the television.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>British chef Jamie Oliver was premiering the second season of his reality show, “Jamie’s Food Revolution”.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8adyDvOLdiAZD3DFGgGBkkctvKSeVQFOwkE-0kHnoXYt__geZRzDqxrkvPWmi35K2hNUt13BmGKKa9TLCILAVA42TC-XpXjzj6nq-3nLfFnIudDJCz2Xz4vwgXSNBzkqsgtHcMA3f0nCq/s1600/Jamie%2527s+Food+Revolution+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8adyDvOLdiAZD3DFGgGBkkctvKSeVQFOwkE-0kHnoXYt__geZRzDqxrkvPWmi35K2hNUt13BmGKKa9TLCILAVA42TC-XpXjzj6nq-3nLfFnIudDJCz2Xz4vwgXSNBzkqsgtHcMA3f0nCq/s1600/Jamie%2527s+Food+Revolution+Cover.jpg" /></span></a></div><div align="center"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(Jamie’s life-changing cookbook of the same name.)</span></span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It was fabulous…really and truly meaningful television.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admire his vision and can understand his struggle, as well as empathize with the struggles of those he’s trying to educate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many people lack the confidence to cook well, and many lack knowledge about preparing meals with fresh ingredients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly the show was a lightening rod: could I indeed learn to prepare delicious and healthy meals for my family without it turning into a flaming drama and me crying in the corner?!</span></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Monday night would be the test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a compulsive reader, prone to tabbing, dog-earing and ripping out bits of useful information from books and magazines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just so happened that I saved a little two-page spread from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Real Simple</i> magazine on how to transform a store-bought rotisserie chicken into various delights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Earlier in the day, I ventured forth to the grocery store to buy the usual suspects to fight what ailed us: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gatorade, lemon-lime soda, saltine crackers, Nyquil and a rotisserie chicken, for good measure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That night I was determined to make us “real” chicken noodle soup, simply because I just couldn’t bear the thought of eating it from a can one more day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Armed with the article, I was able to use a carton of organic chicken broth from the fridge, baby carrots from the kid’s snacks, a bag of frozen cheese tortellini (which we always seem to have on hand) and shredded bits of the rotisserie chicken to make a semi-homemade chicken [pseudo]noodle soup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A little parsley was also sprinkled on top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the heavens parted and the angels sang as every member of the family ate the soup contented.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They actually smiled at the end of the meal and said, “Good job, Mom.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(In my very young daughter’s case, it was more of a, “Yummy!”)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In eight years of marriage and six as a mother, that was a first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admit that with pride and more than a twinge of sadness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made me that much more determined to patch things up with cooking.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nO08-f6Aa8ygPv3RX84mS38gKxbkUaFLJh9trrkZ7mskdmxWYYdN3iOa7sAjYI1gNgojzmenaqGvTyWl_8on7VAG7kwdgn4CPzqI0WudQpMexDDpMYrWdbpSdqxYjkPWA_Sxqlqh2cvO/s1600/Real+Simple+article.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nO08-f6Aa8ygPv3RX84mS38gKxbkUaFLJh9trrkZ7mskdmxWYYdN3iOa7sAjYI1gNgojzmenaqGvTyWl_8on7VAG7kwdgn4CPzqI0WudQpMexDDpMYrWdbpSdqxYjkPWA_Sxqlqh2cvO/s320/Real+Simple+article.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Back in January, my resolution not only involved learning to cook, but to cook with an eye toward a preservative-free lifestyle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve since been investigating various schools of thought regarding healthy meals, and the question is whether or not to be vegetarian, vegan, raw, or just completely organic…or none of the above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But before deciding for my family, I made myself the test subject, and I started with a raw diet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why not begin at square one, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In an effort to compensate for my holiday treat indulgences the month before, I opted for a raw juice “cleanse” by </span><a href="http://www.coolercleanse.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cooler Cleanse</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> to preface the new diet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was brutal: six prepared raw juices each day for three days straight, flown overnight from New York to preserve their freshness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite its brutality, it worked like magic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt cleaner and lighter, and the juices were truly delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I was ready to eat my hand by the third day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mother cannot live on juice alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fruit and vegetables in their purest form proved to be the perfect introduction to a raw diet, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, there were many more raw recipes than I figured floating out the food world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I happened upon a wonderful raw hummus recipe by Cecilia Benjumea from </span><a href="http://rawglow.com/recipes.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Raw Glow</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> and it has now become my desperate snack go-to for the moments when I really need something filling during gaps in the day. </span></span><br />
<div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRAOI18nGqW25P06WiNJy5GpNFUgyBMoqVsKzgDxXVbSzlly5R34KQGOSkc4AVmkCQnsGYxo9aqMCodT-kapSTHgwwKuZIkhYgqpMxtc400Y9SniJkmQTZY911Sv0YdWHiBPrJ-PYckvU/s1600/raw+hummus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRAOI18nGqW25P06WiNJy5GpNFUgyBMoqVsKzgDxXVbSzlly5R34KQGOSkc4AVmkCQnsGYxo9aqMCodT-kapSTHgwwKuZIkhYgqpMxtc400Y9SniJkmQTZY911Sv0YdWHiBPrJ-PYckvU/s320/raw+hummus.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(Pretzel thins aren’t a truly raw option, but I’ve reintegrated them into my snacking </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">because I just couldn’t take another carrot stick.)</span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-vxVYknZ1bWAR_blYN0cf3tszh3UTRXs_fPZTjbPSPOlkQ8vqTRPcLE3hlBi1v_X9RLTupDpM7Zvng4_4AN0cyGiECClRULYS1aRXhug4DV1U6xSO3QcnuEaklZ3M0vSvCojfDp_D8Qw/s1600/French+farmgirl+plate+from+CCC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-vxVYknZ1bWAR_blYN0cf3tszh3UTRXs_fPZTjbPSPOlkQ8vqTRPcLE3hlBi1v_X9RLTupDpM7Zvng4_4AN0cyGiECClRULYS1aRXhug4DV1U6xSO3QcnuEaklZ3M0vSvCojfDp_D8Qw/s320/French+farmgirl+plate+from+CCC.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div align="center"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">(I like to serve it on my favorite little French farmgirl dish from </span><a href="http://www.countycorkcollectibles.com/home"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">County Cork Collectibles</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">!)</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">While the raw lifestyle may have worked for me, I ultimately concluded that it was too singular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as our kitchen cabinets truly need to be filled with dishes and food rather than shoes, eating well needed to be about nourishing my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">entire</i> family and showing them how much I care about them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the basic principles of the raw diet though and plan to incorporate as many fresh ingredients into our meals and snacks as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I’ll sneak in a green smoothie weekly, too!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additionally, since we’re blessed to have our own certified organic livestock and free-ranging chickens, I feel a responsibility to utilize as many of the locally grown/organic produce and products available to us in our small community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But quite simply, I just want to strive for honest meals that continue to bring out more smiles and contribute to healthy, happy tummies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will it be perfect?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, and I accept that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Relationships worth having are the ones that take a little extra work, though.</span></span></div>katie {the full measure}http://www.blogger.com/profile/05760249299635835759noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2521308345108454205.post-90639032424445938632011-04-08T23:38:00.000-07:002011-04-08T23:54:41.206-07:00What's Your Story?<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">I have a thing for biographies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just can’t get enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Books, movies, television specials, historical documentaries…anything that unrolls the story of a person’s life, like a long rug in an even longer hallway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is something so inspiring about a life’s twists and turns, victories and failures, lessons learned and legacies bestowed, no matter how great or how small those phases may have been, and no matter how insignificant or significant a person may feel their life’s journey is or was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To me, every story has significance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the beauty is that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">every</i> person has a story to tell…it’s a common foothold for the human race.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">It reminds me of occasions where my husband and I have met other couples for the first time, either at a dinner party or event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inevitably – after introductions, handshakes and first sentences – someone will ask, “And how did you two meet?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love that moment, but not necessarily for the chance to share my own story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead to watch how a person’s eyes dance when they unroll a little bit of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">their</i> story and retrace footsteps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a vulnerable position to be the storyteller, but as I’ve learned about vulnerability over the years, can be a great comfort to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It illuminates what is good and true and real.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">One of my most cherished memories as a teenager was the month my paternal grandmother came to live with our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had taken a bad spill and needed full-time care, so my father moved her into our house (and my room) until she recovered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While my sister and I were none-to-pleased about having to bunk together, Grandma Ada was extremely entertaining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I mean with a capital “E”…she was nothing short of gregarious, even in her fragile state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My sister and I still chuckle at the time she opened up the newspaper to an ad containing a photo of a scantily clad policeman. (I never did find out why there was such an ad in the newspaper…and come to think of it, I never checked to see what kind of newspaper it really was either…hmm.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She promptly yelled out, “He can arrest me any day!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All three of us burst out laughing on the spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did I mention she was gregarious?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One Sunday, my father had the brilliant idea to sit Grandma Ada down on the living room couch and have her share her life’s story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He set up a tape recorder and we circled around her, listening intently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And her eyes danced the entire time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She unfolded her life bit-by-bit, like a furoshiki cloth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she felt she had said all she needed to say, we were left with the most precious gift: her story in her words, unfettered by time or circumstance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps it then I first marveled at a life’s story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It certainly made me appreciate her and all she had experienced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it turns out, Grandma never did fully recover from her spill and she died shortly thereafter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That time spent with her is now all the more precious, as is the documentation of her life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I first started designing totes for my little wearables business, Ma Chère Finery, I happened upon a letter to a pair of sisters from December 31, 1901 in a quaint antiques store in the Pearl District of Downtown Portland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Four meticulously handwritten pages were bundled with an accompanying tattered envelope, addressed to Annie and Blanche in Poland, Maine. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must have stood in the shop marveling at this letter for half-an-hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then purchased it and took it home to treasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It served as a window to the lives of Annie and Blanche, as well as their friend Laura, the writer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the letter, Laura apologized for not writing sooner to acknowledge the lovely photographs the girls had sent her at Christmastime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She proceeded to tell them about her fond memories of them in school and how she hoped to visit them soon, closing with, “I remain – as ever – your sincere friend.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pondered for some time what to do with this beautiful letter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Should I frame it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(And I still might.) But then it hit me: what if I were to create a tote design around images of the letter and envelope?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eureka!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then others could share in the little story of Annie and Blanche as they went about their daily lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I scanned the letter and envelope and printed the images onto fabric.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Together, along with a photograph of four women dated 1901 that I imagine would have been something similar to those referred to by Laura in her letter, I appliquéd them onto reproduction grain sack fabric and fashioned it all into a tote.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6j7IyiObAXBAqZ-6Py73z5e4zieiKUhbvhHTUaeB4WpQMJRRqmwdcbhVet760Oibemp6YKPx5vtKkollMyNe7s9-21dR7UM6dQrm4yhvIdLyMnc8F8c-qwk-yGHS6KG_xvNCmH52T0dK8/s320/Annie+and+Blanche+tote.jpg" width="213" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBqP_il73hIc8oWoVc_-GDTsF8hvfOE0p08L9D16CnIaR6qodwiD1B6hsfAXSvHlrsBOcWy1BEemO6AL-3BGjRaW1An7jjjH9DWEqEszrSAEv4clGUaLs-qWHq5cAQytv7RisqYVr6fI6/s1600/Annie+%2526+Blanche+letter+pg+1+contrast+corrected.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBqP_il73hIc8oWoVc_-GDTsF8hvfOE0p08L9D16CnIaR6qodwiD1B6hsfAXSvHlrsBOcWy1BEemO6AL-3BGjRaW1An7jjjH9DWEqEszrSAEv4clGUaLs-qWHq5cAQytv7RisqYVr6fI6/s320/Annie+%2526+Blanche+letter+pg+1+contrast+corrected.jpg" width="201" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">It was the very first item I sold on Etsy, to a lovely woman in Dublin, Ireland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And now each time I recreate the design for a new customer, I think about the significance of Annie and Blanche and the life they lived.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That particular tote also sparked commissioned projects, to commemorate the lives of loved ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My favorite was a request from my maternal grandmother to create a tote for her sister-in-law, my Great Aunt Eve, on the occasion of her 80th Birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a surprise, too…even better!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After some sleuthing, Grandma emerged from Eve’s house with a fistful of fabulous photos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two were particularly meaningful and therefore used in the design of tote.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first was a photo of Eve’s father as a chauffer in 1918 driving to pick up a new bride and groom in Portland, Oregon, and the second was of Eve alongside her mother and two brothers one lovely afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandma also asked that I include a “touch of Italy” somewhere in the design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eve’s parents had emigrated from a small town in Southern Italy and were very proud of their Italian heritage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I created a little ribbon medallion festooned with a crest from the Province of Cosenza and three vintage glass buttons from the 1920s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I greatly wish I could have attended the birthday celebration where Great Aunt Eve opened her surprise gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom and Grandma tell me it was quite a bash!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to my mom, once Eve pulled the bag from its wrapping and had a moment to examine it, she began recalling the memories that surrounded the tote's featured photos to the loved ones around her…exactly the response I had hoped for!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiurog5ioV684wjGNFr3zScntgOchzzKsq8d5ycNbIyFWfgDqKKdWQsOsAzB_Gr-GJm9UDpPKeYTey1f4gm0Wez6wUK1mekVHKeNO2SvdnNWgLcSvF71jdP_MaOyTKqQu3-uLqdQgMvjo7/s1600/AE+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiurog5ioV684wjGNFr3zScntgOchzzKsq8d5ycNbIyFWfgDqKKdWQsOsAzB_Gr-GJm9UDpPKeYTey1f4gm0Wez6wUK1mekVHKeNO2SvdnNWgLcSvF71jdP_MaOyTKqQu3-uLqdQgMvjo7/s320/AE+1.jpg" width="251" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BQxGTgIPWsd5NRXLPviG41PLqbVjb5rZ2rukTBj4iaAMRfYU9j796Q9q_GBmtcKk_LTeBiGVKEzxVuKG1uW6bCYwyygSPG6wHtjKjAZv4rhHcUO4E8P8WD_pjjyyfJpFB5NIstumoh4U/s1600/AE+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BQxGTgIPWsd5NRXLPviG41PLqbVjb5rZ2rukTBj4iaAMRfYU9j796Q9q_GBmtcKk_LTeBiGVKEzxVuKG1uW6bCYwyygSPG6wHtjKjAZv4rhHcUO4E8P8WD_pjjyyfJpFB5NIstumoh4U/s320/AE+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">It was truly a treat to create that custom tote for Great Aunt Eve, a woman I’ve respected all my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in so many ways, it made me feel that much closer to her…like I’d been invited into her story, to see the world as she saw it as a little girl. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From her story – as well as Grandma Ada’s and what I imagine of the sisters from Poland, Maine – emerged a legacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lasting legacy of love, shared experiences and lessons learned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Facets of a life well lived, and if I do say so myself, the makings of an incredible biography.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>katie {the full measure}http://www.blogger.com/profile/05760249299635835759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2521308345108454205.post-31426112151617222932011-04-01T01:33:00.000-07:002011-04-01T01:38:34.510-07:00Orange Colored Sky<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are certain moments that make you wish real life had background music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kind of background music that sets up the first few bits of a movie…when the stars names are alternately splashed and often a big aerial shot of the locale or “busy dealings of the day” scenes eventually roll on to introduce you to the main character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think back to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Devil Wears Prada</i> <span style="line-height: 115%;">opening with KT Tunstall’s “Suddenly I See” or the 2005 big-screen adaptation of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pride and Prejudice</i> opening with the glorious playing of </span><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Jean-Yves Thibaudet</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just makes you feel like settling in and watching things unfold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I had one such moment as the sunset fell to the west of our house yesterday evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And although the day was drawing to a close, I could hear Nat King Cole lilting “Orange Colored Sky” while I sat with the kids in the lawn and my hubby tinkered in the garage nearby.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_Yw5gMvoPFN5z207zyp5rFkhEB5ihO0N5opSAYdl72Ts2pA4a8yL5wqwCjdyTmuzbam-igO0PCHqPNhKA2t2Pg-9ghFEAIijJciVSITJYF-sjxwONmIJx11aqvyRVtjaFYJ0DuEekVs6/s1600/Omsi+-+OCS+075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_Yw5gMvoPFN5z207zyp5rFkhEB5ihO0N5opSAYdl72Ts2pA4a8yL5wqwCjdyTmuzbam-igO0PCHqPNhKA2t2Pg-9ghFEAIijJciVSITJYF-sjxwONmIJx11aqvyRVtjaFYJ0DuEekVs6/s320/Omsi+-+OCS+075.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The sunset from our backyard - March 30, 2011</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Tell me: is there anything a little Nat King Cole can’t cure?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not so sure there is.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every living thing around us seemed sparked by the orange glow tinting the sky...and all was right in our world for a moment or two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although the scene beyond that didn’t unfold to anything remotely cinematic, I walked back into the house to get the kids into their PJs still basking in the cheerful orange vision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I couldn’t help but want to make that “orange feeling” last a little longer…especially as the nightly tug-of-war with two sleepy kidlets who still think they need three more glasses of water and five bedtime stories and fifty stuffed animal friends with them in the bed before they would ever think of closing their eyes {sigh} unfolded.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I admitted to you in my last post that I am an ardent follower of beauty products…and fashion for that matter, if we’re being honest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As beloved Uncle Harold once said to me, “A little paint never hurt no barn!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truer words were never spoken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find immense enjoyment in the art of being a woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To my utmost delight, the fashion world has declared orange as the color of the season this Spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now’s my chance to bask in the sheer joy of that backyard orange colored sky moment for a while longer!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The April issue of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lucky</i> magazine (on stands now) has a brilliant feature translating a piece of art into a chic outfit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lo and behold, look what they translated…</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo16V9jBpn3N04-M__X5_DVEVum9kaYbMCcTS5vbJgAh3ZNwgSowMOd02IclSs_61wKATXrsQWsAKanUgMMM2xsHcqRLM32TsEzPo-Xyw5pNGbCgbVltrJ4jXMdtqJMSubr2k7iDRAhfRx/s1600/Daybreak+fabric+inspiration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="271" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo16V9jBpn3N04-M__X5_DVEVum9kaYbMCcTS5vbJgAh3ZNwgSowMOd02IclSs_61wKATXrsQWsAKanUgMMM2xsHcqRLM32TsEzPo-Xyw5pNGbCgbVltrJ4jXMdtqJMSubr2k7iDRAhfRx/s320/Daybreak+fabric+inspiration.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Be still my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the pop of orange against the burlap dress!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And the brilliant minds and talents behind J. Crew’s 2011 Spring lineup have thusly resuscitated my now rapidly beating heart with their use of bright orange lipstick with EVERYTHING.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So bold, so daring and so 1950s starlet-meets-modern ingénue. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feminine and oh-so-flattering, as evidenced by the varying complexions and hair colors of the models…a sure sign.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUlgCn5AxLuYEyOu-TLZytHYUc3dQlCsevaAmF1qXD9XPjjOu2V4PZdgbrnhlVJ-c3VIKzpseD1BIMRqJc3iJbkPVm_EPMjgYyC1rUhLsgGPPvGaPcnlqQmTnP4mV27CzZcTDZYyJPtag/s1600/JCrew+Spring+2011+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUlgCn5AxLuYEyOu-TLZytHYUc3dQlCsevaAmF1qXD9XPjjOu2V4PZdgbrnhlVJ-c3VIKzpseD1BIMRqJc3iJbkPVm_EPMjgYyC1rUhLsgGPPvGaPcnlqQmTnP4mV27CzZcTDZYyJPtag/s320/JCrew+Spring+2011+5.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9JMiM3Y1BrdznrTaqKngMjiqwTvv1eJ17-Ru5GNRjBdkT-MyXEjrFk0Toh-4lADU9aXX1nhkBFfyYPJad7CIGBEloCW1wxBKPA5bNiNEXWy1qppIP9Qu-R6KnxhFZw_BQKXhGVMwlTFX/s1600/JCrew+Spring+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9JMiM3Y1BrdznrTaqKngMjiqwTvv1eJ17-Ru5GNRjBdkT-MyXEjrFk0Toh-4lADU9aXX1nhkBFfyYPJad7CIGBEloCW1wxBKPA5bNiNEXWy1qppIP9Qu-R6KnxhFZw_BQKXhGVMwlTFX/s320/JCrew+Spring+2011.jpg" width="255" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASiD-sCfz0v4VIeBCWX45UY8zcdPkDlxCbF_WEo_jx8bJ39c5Pz5Vw52HfnDHwEafNBbsUnFTh9jIuRe7XIxksYhxW0ewSZyHgdi7olrK2Q5VcKIESYXxnXVccrSF8FNN3mImQMtPEf5u/s1600/JCrew+Spring+2011+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASiD-sCfz0v4VIeBCWX45UY8zcdPkDlxCbF_WEo_jx8bJ39c5Pz5Vw52HfnDHwEafNBbsUnFTh9jIuRe7XIxksYhxW0ewSZyHgdi7olrK2Q5VcKIESYXxnXVccrSF8FNN3mImQMtPEf5u/s320/JCrew+Spring+2011+3.jpg" width="255" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinesCikzl-SNH0eM0FKrsnY7fLm-2jdngGz-jHGQM5gjrl0hK27LRLKSgEa65oMXbuvSvVift9wPmToWs1Ot-QjP6WoAlGjELv7LJY8XB835zJt4FHN7Ve73U7QqC9AbX9iAZ9NhfFL2rU/s1600/JCrew+Spring+2011+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinesCikzl-SNH0eM0FKrsnY7fLm-2jdngGz-jHGQM5gjrl0hK27LRLKSgEa65oMXbuvSvVift9wPmToWs1Ot-QjP6WoAlGjELv7LJY8XB835zJt4FHN7Ve73U7QqC9AbX9iAZ9NhfFL2rU/s320/JCrew+Spring+2011+4.jpg" width="255" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve actually been pining for those J. Crew Spring lips for the last few months, and after some sleuthing discovered J. Crew painted those pouts with NARS’ fabulous matte lipstick in “Heat Wave”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During a recent trip to Portland, I popped by </span><a href="http://www.blushbeautybar247.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blush Beauty Bar</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> – the chic Mecca of barn painting – to see for myself whether “Heat Wave” would induce cold sweats in person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a lovely assistant helped me test it, I triumphantly walked forth from Blush Beauty Bar with not only the tube, but a matching OPI nail polish and the will to be as downright daring as those J. Crew models.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMDGXm_nA07M9jC0WzwgOWssgqGohmzBjYioGil1hOju6oi0V0HqY1yfYbkcPXGSmaeO8ICO18DLAZlg9zd_EqiUaE5rUuHv-5o-4SwOMuQLFE8rzvv0tiiC-IgrR8d3XyVeSaV7M9_iB/s320/Omsi+-+OCS+027.jpg" width="320" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">If life were like the movies, I could just pause and rewind to my orange colored sky as often as necessary…but alas, I can’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>swipe of “Heat Wave” is certainly enough to evoke that same feeling of </span><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">cheer and joy, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I love that I can add deeper sentiment to the little luxury of lipstick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For it’s just as Mr. Nat King Cole said: “</span><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I was walking along, minding my business, When out of an orange-colored sky, Flash! Bam! Alakazam!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wonderful you came by.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inspiration often lurks when we’re just minding our business. </span></span></div>katie {the full measure}http://www.blogger.com/profile/05760249299635835759noreply@blogger.com4