Best week ever!

<p>Good Monday to you all! Wow, it’s been a total whirlwind of a week! I’m not sure I’ve ever packed more into seven days in my life. </p> <p>Bear with me as I share a little bit of it with you today – it’s been an wonderful, overwhelming, lovely week and it really couldn’t have gone much better! </p> <p>First up – Haven 2013! For those of you who don’t know, Haven is a conference dedicated to DIY and decor bloggers specifically. It’s the first of it’s kind because we (the team) knew there was a need for it – and a few years ago we decided it was time to make it happen!</p> <p>This was our second year and it was even better than the first!: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6aWXe6NHKi3_ri4dTmpsnSkNnWSqKpVSrymJQfSNIdcl5DQIlKPciUcOJwgKTIcPln1WQvBFeGoaAJzrjdoHJ0fxnDZTO9gy5XLi-9LLlIBx9sy1C0i-McIvTZ26pg-wkEWj8ROrhGgk/s1600-h/IMG_7137%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Haven confererence " border="0" height="411" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUFhbS8RbnBXi2ym-Y_Z2Vcyhn4Azt57Zmk_h0iYOuZ-YKYgQxE6t77bNGMmaZg7KHtkTuJqgKzt3Wl51VjbrKyVUpH3Wu91RTgy4P_2keVzjXdiBFARtZKwGuyepgz_ZymtJy4lEVKU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Haven confererence " width="550" /></a></p> <p>This is about half the group – all together we had about 450 attendees (that includes sponsors) so it was much bigger than last year. I’m not sure we’ll go too much bigger because we love the feel of this size – we still want everyone to feel like they have a chance to meet most everyone. </p> <p>It was just a great week, really. We were just so happy with how it all turned out and are all so thrilled and humbled by it all! There was a lot of learning – I have a HUGE to do list written down – but most of all it’s just so amazing to hang out with people who totally <em>get </em>what you do. </p> <p>We goofed around plenty: </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3samDD919gdSI-jL6rUl6MscDvojDgNJLN6nUVZqOYjblkylVK85vxl4lM_WPq_wmoXsLa0bVfaIW_VmyIXI7qqmF0Hvj5P53627YFlc4ARpm_DgXbjDU9M52hM5IGml2f2D7b0Xnt8/s1600-h/Haven%252520conference.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnV3TPJ5X9s889En31B5x-QORwergekFo37Na1YyaxXwBqH04YxLq9jpDrhklCoi2X1uFFB0cgepPqZoMSG4yMoW-WESGqrviBZ_cvYWV5278eBo73soJMekctGiPvpgFP49XndRlKhLY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" width="290" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JF6-0iDAyfBpqtcUtoaow9C7Uiyzf1I7sbVG4txXAeXlDnzgJkvQ8BhdbImnY2F6bvWS7xDEB57FEDNx3hAN1NsA3GuTX-8lu7HC09DQDfNCCyzB6RUaAdw-VLZcXOy3mPC0tmVIuME/s1600-h/IMG_7183%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHUOQzqbtBUQCQuChKFngrlNFDAnmKV2VChIpBEIq0WtgW8yKSB85xHt9nBZ2ruYeQj594V5-0pHWBvdEEpBrb62vILM-NuDip-iXE_lVN0Z9K63ztCx5jxpyOHanET_q3sXjE-LUAOo/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" width="290" /></a></p> <p>It’s hard not to with these ladies. I laughed, a LOT. ;) </p> <p>But most of all, like always, I walked away having learned so much from just chatting with other bloggers throughout the week. I was so happy to see old friends: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2Ua3Gvm4oywG63AQYgUAUnBUwBkkPXmsBcX2-GtATx7uPsmr_BdQxH-iRDRFTEtTyNKSVOn2lz0lk-x4WTWuexXD8Zg8Y9GoTuTYHgD1Vimj0N96HbiepMxCwWVMRQ5wv9aSnu6NbLA/s1600-h/Haven%252520Conference%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Haven Conference " border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABJrE5KK7Q-oCeSNllscHKoGihgIiy57eubWV-SnZ-XVBPtacEYQ9lPCC2Xezb5nSNJopDy-pQYuojIYc7Wq6PYJab5p58jCzLHyXAD-NjBBEmwwe-6BEjjpFBvLekFDxF84DgibouUk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Haven Conference " width="550" /></a></p> <p>And meet plenty of new ones, even though I’ve “known” them for years: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8uAtvsduYushW9fv7LkSGdjyKKtyD0C10fh6iRxqCcvl3XmZIlLODS0vyvHDtg-E8NTYdwNy_dAOysp5QiXwRzVprAsZg_IinT7n4cbMsBcDL9TgjKQ1CDJ967vkbiDzGT1DZx822O8/s1600-h/IMG_7123%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="blogging conference" border="0" height="411" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvE3EQDoU1wwaNF4UJ_CvSPhKrYp5BD6_ILouDjd0epfzEnuw8NnJhY12MewBJNLl7tG-GpmW_t9_N3-w0a7dm72lLQF6BrABFjc5uB9E3GZqkeKPDHtnnYzc5I9BL34YZ5VlWKZjdu0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="blogging conference" width="550" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyQSduMDl6sDApdhROtoelU2levHEy9oGWrpHtijIlg1rfN6PKzYfWOG1mBg6xtwv2Yp9ohg4RZ4HNqxqSHjZtSUHIQIZjBlPgCH9BPZurO8kAM8kIpZybagdsE3gh7tztQxkxAIV3TI/s1600-h/IMG_7178%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="haven conference" border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHbJ0vK9X4jF_OTH4bKFPFRDAxLNqhJ6a3lZqmjnA9K6hH_Spb8A_CqX8BXZibs9N_EgF2A8VQZPGQgY3DdwXU1rPvF8MMy13YxmyGlez2sqHD5o4yi5giDpOw-H_taIMCMBRbfdiArM/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="haven conference" width="550" /></a></p> <p>As always, I didn’t get nearly enough pictures. I know took one with many of you and I’d love a copy! (Or we have a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/haven2013/">2013 Flickr</a> account going, so you can load them there!) </p> <p>It was an honor to have been a part of it again this year and to work with some amazing women: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjVvUI1DlW1UnW2zRfxnC7W4DCe_-4qBQC06uvCMapFnA2Za0FAiZ5TfBLxj2EdhHWy37EAl-jncISR4EhhvRspYhPNgd_6Ht2TSjDLVcJjWAIgU_k0MXFqdlxd9qCKVYMJpq6F3nsio/s1600-h/Haven%252520conference%252520planning%252520team.jpg"><img alt="Haven conference planning team" border="0" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthvW14U04D-SP_HlLF9v7mi80kAYoefdUQ_YRUXzOTyZrD5zkyI7qSvuI2p0XcKDqMf8cnxPj_Z3C03b3YVVqaCynViXMGTBYnXseArELrgzT2XuPmdM5RvfSqvlVcU_8zW9dem-yRfA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Haven conference planning team" width="550" /></a></p> <p>Our event planner, Kristin, isn’t in that pic but she is a rock star – there is NO way we could do this without her. </p> <p>Next year’s conference is already booked for July in Atlanta! We’ll share details soon. :)</p> <p>So I got home from the conference, slept for a few hours and then moved on to the next adventure…the NKOTB concert: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pScixBxaR1K-GkZcK9v5FAMc2PULuQK8LVllv4wqZdgFfYpS95jyhqrx8d6kk3doOD8D9Ws8o7Sb1f0lzGb7bnmDhv8YTRUnxyYHxXSQlecMHo9nV-CJvUzAM7aVYffc3gCSJ7BYQyQ/s1600-h/IMG_7229%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="665" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUhuQ_rr1VJvFlCFBN-PVeM5h6D0oUxJ6a8oo-ViyHr3iGGYuJxXu51itYRJmWFLGdjlvhMpt1ie38bt7G2B7MGssyxZSq4qhiA7lXthVnAo44b_k0xwshf4F4yIAU_cxjhR-SZTHYas/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I know I’m a little <em>teensy bit</em> biased, but <strong>DANG</strong>, they put on a great show! I was exhausted just from attending. </p> <p>This time they were joined by Boys to Men (they were fantastic!) and 98 Degrees and the place was packed!: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3LEJ4pBzyFAnbC658P-PEE_xH0DwHbLfwGXy2kQdYj8lVgKJ-pN9oJ8-AHlqV2T9Y2WGzmdsUu2jKOG_qFbU00NM_TMpn4Z4bR41wSgk-7uTNPkqaYqjruFtwNHpaETmuNnBUtZa0UQ/s1600-h/IMG_7234%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="732" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWImW28ka3ibHhgbMrKs6iHAXsxhimheNEejoyus4mxA11DB3ni0VkIR-TkGEeorujYN9S3NmTb06ro1LG5CrvjBfMTAiTIs3b6v4p96OEZ4kT4U5OhJNu677FRBirkMxZHDjoZHYpTg4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="550" /></a></p> <p>It is absolutely electric. And LOUD. Grown women can SCREAM. </p> <p>My hubby’s cousin hooked us up with some incredible seats – six rows off the floor: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWxojIEDsGSAWM21t_ospkU-Pp5Dbm3b0lBLhWOiZKRFp1rnWBoX-n_nkHAelxwyQmSmAbUwbO4eKlZ04K-gayC_LokcH6tYNM4SVoOFR6WcshNY9WSEPNdVqrOk46UgvWrcuMLFHWj4/s1600-h/IMG_7276%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="NKOTB tour" border="0" height="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvd6IYsZhrZFfYKJC0KI3CziVMolY8MQCMxC8tQOsPBGZOO9Bkc7s7NeWzBVQTHBEMgXBDv05aPIVWHasdQ2x6Jjlwzp0Mx1sD2Jv74gxiOjUyA5B7R0SUV6bnn4cZhLZ_X84wK-PLKLk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="NKOTB tour" width="546" /></a></p> <p>We had one of the best views there! Excuse my Farah hair by the way. I’m bringing the 70’s back. Apparently. </p> <p>Yet again, I came home, got a few hours of sleep and then this morning we were up bright and early for a <em>very </em>special appointment. </p> <p>Today we learned we’ll soon have a grandson. :) Yes, I’m going to be a grandma – my stepdaughter (23) is due in December and we found out this morning it’s a boy. It was very emotional and sweet and they had a room full of family and friends there to find out the big news. Our son is THRILLED. :)</p> <p>We are just so happy she and the baby are healthy and doing well.  I haven’t mentioned it yet just because I kind of feel like this is their story to tell, not mine. I will of course share more as we get closer to the due date and will most likely share a few pics over time, but I want to respect their privacy and desires too. </p> <p>I can’t wait to meet this sweet boy!!</p> <p>So, yes, I think I will set some kind of record as the youngest grandma ever. Especially being 27 and all. Or something. </p> <p>Well…there’s my week in a nutshell. See, a little crazy huh? But every bit of it makes me so incredibly thankful – I am <strong>so</strong> grateful for this life I live. I am a lucky woman. A lucky woman who is off to take a nap for six hours or so. ;) </p>

Best week ever!

Good Monday to you all! Wow, it’s been a total whirlwind of a week! I’m not sure I’ve ever packed more into seven days in my life. Bear wi...

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Squares and stripes

First of all...bear with me. This is my sister dancing with Donnie. (About 30 seconds in.)<br /><br /><strong>Warning:</strong> Turn down the volume unless you are a fan. Lots and lots and <em>LOTS</em> of screaming:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7Qth0Rp0Jo">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7Qth0Rp0Jo</a><br /><br />Sniff. I'm so proud!! Oddly enough, she was only up there for 20 seconds or so. It felt like four minutes while we were there. This is a good thing, because it means I was only standing there frozen like a total dweeb for less than a minute. Good stuff.<br /><br />OK, so let's move on. The long awaited squares and stripes post, which works well for this time of year (<em>stars</em> and stripes...get it??). It's really not rocket science, and yet again, there will collective "DUH." when you're done reading, but I like to share so I'm sharing. OK? OK.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFO-0pyDVAgnf2oR9D7-G9D6KOYIcdcf7BuHM51ClAn3ipxVpEw-zNApnKhNmrVlE7uPbHJmSpKcT_oSbVHXXPGN4bbHHsny3amsxkmxSj_G2j9v9EERJCJqvAclhGtRq0KLsUpdLA7kg/s1600-h/Im000052.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353301647875990210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFO-0pyDVAgnf2oR9D7-G9D6KOYIcdcf7BuHM51ClAn3ipxVpEw-zNApnKhNmrVlE7uPbHJmSpKcT_oSbVHXXPGN4bbHHsny3amsxkmxSj_G2j9v9EERJCJqvAclhGtRq0KLsUpdLA7kg/s400/Im000052.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> First, the squares. The two items you must have for squares and stripes is a level (either the one below or a laser level that sends a beam of light straight down the wall) and blue painters tape. For this wall, I used two inch painters tape for the whole wall. I used the white wall as the background, but if you want a color, you'll need to paint it that color first.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353302818480032402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyb7shzD3xhMzZUlC9IJJuIj-n4i_HBtH1wvZTHVTQTx2UGlTFqo4_LvzjiwFwlBZB4CrZAVV6r4QiAjnAbPZeKCooPoWH9dV6sOEU7YbEaBRuHSMiZX-961JBZ24drrlCttnfG7xi1DM/s400/Plastic_Level.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 337px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 291px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Then, the measurements all depend on the size of squares that you want, or how many rows/columns you want. Say your wall is 127 inches -- and you want six columns of squares. You'll subtract two inches for each end of the wall, and each two inch space between each column -- basically each spot the painters tape will go.<br /><br /><div align="center">Like this:</div><div align="center">127 inch wall</div><div align="center">six columns equals seven two inch sections (on each end of the wall and between each column)</div><div align="center">7 sections x 2 inches (for painters tape)=14 inches</div><div align="center">127 inches - 14 inches= 115 inches </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Now divide 115 by six (for six columns)= each column would be 19.16 inches wide. </div><p>Do the same for the rows up and down as well. I know I made this seem complicated and it's really not that bad. It may take you a few tries to get the right measurements -- it did me. The rest is easy, it just takes time. </p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTGFXR7XV4CxRqfb2FEP2fbalkUvtLmN837ht0xB9rPdVTvzQn9beYI06pQrtq7LYqVHBbPu2vF1PfdJL8AoZfl5Ht7Xu5Y1EY2fNAfWU0profFhbGCGNPmw34rFbNROAT3wRz19uRCQ/s1600-h/DSC00526.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353300950773932626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTGFXR7XV4CxRqfb2FEP2fbalkUvtLmN837ht0xB9rPdVTvzQn9beYI06pQrtq7LYqVHBbPu2vF1PfdJL8AoZfl5Ht7Xu5Y1EY2fNAfWU0profFhbGCGNPmw34rFbNROAT3wRz19uRCQ/s400/DSC00526.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>I hope that made sense! After you've figured out your measurements, you'll just need to measure off your wall. I use a yard stick, with the measurement marked, and I keep moving it down the wall, marking, say, 19.16 inches up and down the wall. Then take the level and use it to make straight lines on the wall vertically and horizontally.<br /><br />Take your blue painters tape and run it along the lines. You can use the laser level and put the paint along the laser line, (this is how I do it) or you can put a light pencil line down the wall and then tape that off. To make sure no paint bleeds under the tape, I've heard many tricks, but all I do is take my thumbnail and run it down each side of the tape. You can also use a credit card or pan scraper. It works every time for me.<br /><br />For stripes, my little trick is to use the yard stick again. In our son's room, I wanted the stripes in different widths -- two, seven, three and five inches. I did all the painting before the chair rail was put up, so the top of the stripes doesn't have to be perfect. Before I started, I marked the measurements and colors on my yard stick, and then used the painter's tape to hang the yard stick on the wall:<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYTVIu2ZYXTpfIIZxPtxloATGMWzP-V_iBiKpYsER9BWI2WPQwjXkQQ1n1LTufnQboWPeAC9-7pjYjHarpcjHGg2cPPW6Y9kYZCl1znMkEGxuCkmlceXnJ1zCkOhYHfroM5uxJX4_hZQ/s1600-h/DSC00520.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353300543313350114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYTVIu2ZYXTpfIIZxPtxloATGMWzP-V_iBiKpYsER9BWI2WPQwjXkQQ1n1LTufnQboWPeAC9-7pjYjHarpcjHGg2cPPW6Y9kYZCl1znMkEGxuCkmlceXnJ1zCkOhYHfroM5uxJX4_hZQ/s400/DSC00520.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrepZOsiiX5dnXGEzLyv28JG1n00znrw_2-B6EDfitkNWgaXCX9rVTaMEK2bLMhM7UX8kjcMcqwHRSVMewJnplNV4gFAfiv2jEWl-Hd8DBVmyWufz5G0T44XVtyrGsHmjKD-TuRcHNXPM/s1600-h/DSC00521.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353300541940683138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrepZOsiiX5dnXGEzLyv28JG1n00znrw_2-B6EDfitkNWgaXCX9rVTaMEK2bLMhM7UX8kjcMcqwHRSVMewJnplNV4gFAfiv2jEWl-Hd8DBVmyWufz5G0T44XVtyrGsHmjKD-TuRcHNXPM/s400/DSC00521.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRGFWZVvngSFA46eZjJVdxbgD3npjOwV4SHErrxNdqRJFuK-1I_6lUoz7bZWLF30AKrj7Nj-irAVUIZYQYp8j0U-f-00UUGDl64O__5IPsCq46IEn2ZwMlcmPluF1b9xWfiqES_K2Y64/s1600-h/DSC00523.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353300532370148050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRGFWZVvngSFA46eZjJVdxbgD3npjOwV4SHErrxNdqRJFuK-1I_6lUoz7bZWLF30AKrj7Nj-irAVUIZYQYp8j0U-f-00UUGDl64O__5IPsCq46IEn2ZwMlcmPluF1b9xWfiqES_K2Y64/s400/DSC00523.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Using the marks on the yard stick, I used the level and painters tape to put the stripes down the wall. With stripes, you can't do all of them at once. My wall was cream, so that stripe was done. I had to paint three other colors, so I did the dark and medium green first, let it dry (I did NOT wait as long as they recommend and you don't need to) and did a quick second coat. Then I pulled off the tape and the next day did the third, lightest green by reapplying painters tape on each side of that stripe and painting:</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvp8JJXBIt6nV-QS6qQ1WsAFmLcPQhgCWiM_rAKOzX3fH9Ok2eoC_8glofRZt-r5gQslkL4d-XMwyP5MMPqybC9VM8DcKWingkBGVq0XMqT87P2U8YOOhcc1vQt-Qv8v3lt0ee7ZHO8pQ/s1600-h/DSC00524.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353300528610334818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvp8JJXBIt6nV-QS6qQ1WsAFmLcPQhgCWiM_rAKOzX3fH9Ok2eoC_8glofRZt-r5gQslkL4d-XMwyP5MMPqybC9VM8DcKWingkBGVq0XMqT87P2U8YOOhcc1vQt-Qv8v3lt0ee7ZHO8pQ/s400/DSC00524.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Of course, the more colors, the longer it takes. It seems complicated and again, it's not. The great thing about varying stripes is you don't have to measure the wall like with squares. Just figure out what look you want and go. Once you get going, it will go surprisingly fast. <em>Surprisingly.</em> Swear. Pinky swear.</div><div></div><div><br />I taped off most of the stripes in my son's room within a couple hours, and the total paint time was probably a few hours. </div><div></div><div><br />I did stripes on one wall in our bedroom as well:<br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353300940444381698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwBDbUnzAB94A_2ksIDmti7sFUX2IeaqYyuyC40JC0J2s8JVYW986IYwB0peWGPnNsPMUpweYcI0mAw0Fphs523j3s3n2WQLR5kxJtc6yY2UQxSXhQfbOmgkXWNLpKrYyDUlrGHgCyFM/s400/DSC00531.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />This was done by just painting the wall the base color, then taping off one foot columns and painting a shimmer glaze over the base. It's a really subtle look and I absolutely love it.<br /><br /><div></div>My biggest tip when using painters tape -- take the tape off when the paint is <em>still damp</em> if at all possible!! I've heard from professionals to keep it on till the paint is dry, but when I've done that, it makes a mess. The lines turn out awful, because the tape pulls up little pieces of the paint. When it's damp the tape comes right off, leaving a clean line. </div><div></div><div><br />If you have any other tips for a clean line or painting stripes/squares, please leave them in the comments! I know many of you have textured walls and I know it can be done, I've just never tried it. ;) I appreciate any other thoughts!!</div><div></div><div><br />It takes some patience, but the result is so custom and beautiful, you won't regret it!</div><div></div><div><br />P.S. I went to the best antiques shop in Indiana today and whoooeee, I have some eye candy for you later this week!! If you follow me on Twitter, you have already seen some of them. Fabulous!!! </div></div></div>

Squares and stripes

First of all...bear with me. This is my sister dancing with Donnie. (About 30 seconds in.) Warning: Turn down the volume unless you are a f...

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It. was. awesome.

Oh my goodness people. I cannot even tell you how. much. fun. we had last night. I'm not even kidding. It was the time of my life!!! First, some pictures, and then you'll just die at the story at the end!!!!<br /><br />Our seats were AWESOME, thanks to a former coworker of my sister/second cousin of my best friend (long story). We were right behind the sound stage. Thank God I'm 11 feet tall:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVhedWWlcKxN76koepjTL1IRg4TDAQ8HvghCX1NUw2ctzZ1665GM_8BfyyvxtrSxGF2Ua3EZgPrOmdVrv8bkS01nKWlbEt5JTt5VlKq9zWAsal3Tu-ODIZijhrPi_9QAnQiKrlPQdvI8/s1600-h/untitled14.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352783989050705026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVhedWWlcKxN76koepjTL1IRg4TDAQ8HvghCX1NUw2ctzZ1665GM_8BfyyvxtrSxGF2Ua3EZgPrOmdVrv8bkS01nKWlbEt5JTt5VlKq9zWAsal3Tu-ODIZijhrPi_9QAnQiKrlPQdvI8/s400/untitled14.bmp" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgau8rmDZti2RF47S-mNj6KJ43zbA5NINGjePeVFyPCKFO68I5sz9nEBphn42eyqiikq_oZZQmHRHpNuVr5zK0uXo8mlPbyKAoWJ9VwH9tLsuLlvpGCXHeFk2FWcpO4aI-vAbHUuwaC83Y/s1600-h/untitled13.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352783985025583154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgau8rmDZti2RF47S-mNj6KJ43zbA5NINGjePeVFyPCKFO68I5sz9nEBphn42eyqiikq_oZZQmHRHpNuVr5zK0uXo8mlPbyKAoWJ9VwH9tLsuLlvpGCXHeFk2FWcpO4aI-vAbHUuwaC83Y/s400/untitled13.bmp" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I kept standing on the railing around the sound stage, making me about twelve feet tall. The security guys were giving me the stink eye and a stern "GET. DOWN." look quite often. Whateva dudes. I waited 18 years for this:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXAAutC1asgcTzTM4_fIyO7_3Wyl8Qv6UAHkI4uICssHP1UkXT5zAhoe1g3D-ZmLvcgIBhPyIJJknVBL2VeKP0UuUVOOdap4jjHxXcKVeX-Pts_8jXi_yuOy0PShxyP77kpifxCgNW0U/s1600-h/Untitled14.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352783979289652706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXAAutC1asgcTzTM4_fIyO7_3Wyl8Qv6UAHkI4uICssHP1UkXT5zAhoe1g3D-ZmLvcgIBhPyIJJknVBL2VeKP0UuUVOOdap4jjHxXcKVeX-Pts_8jXi_yuOy0PShxyP77kpifxCgNW0U/s400/Untitled14.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 246px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2veHJeS8cesUd0IlEJ8f4A1UEE15J6JN26OL7Njj8CTHr7wDfzaatz8zpz1_1I9X7egLASA88LF0CrjCB74xrCgQJoCLxG-Q1WsrgQFkp-NYOjg9flOYYgfwCnOYxbXJm1xHGPhoFcI/s1600-h/Untitled16.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352783977482787026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2veHJeS8cesUd0IlEJ8f4A1UEE15J6JN26OL7Njj8CTHr7wDfzaatz8zpz1_1I9X7egLASA88LF0CrjCB74xrCgQJoCLxG-Q1WsrgQFkp-NYOjg9flOYYgfwCnOYxbXJm1xHGPhoFcI/s400/Untitled16.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 289px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Jared the Subway guy knew someone in the band and sat right in front of us. My <strike>goober</strike> adorable best friend and sister got pictures with him:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDVECysxG1YPQ1YgmNojnYwAkQym6KDLH5tmGFpftt6Bcc-NRkm-kBhiTktH2639hz7AIAWn3z0GT__mirV7HhbSvRaNTk7UaIxl2SNNuHYtievMPWFAf1X-BOd1cNrPLZ-7P_hlIydU/s1600-h/untitled12.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352783471909614434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDVECysxG1YPQ1YgmNojnYwAkQym6KDLH5tmGFpftt6Bcc-NRkm-kBhiTktH2639hz7AIAWn3z0GT__mirV7HhbSvRaNTk7UaIxl2SNNuHYtievMPWFAf1X-BOd1cNrPLZ-7P_hlIydU/s400/untitled12.bmp" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> We went ALL OUT and got a limo -- here's a few shots. Me and my sis:<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352781294626273042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga389uXwN9iJEPxMfLaKt8n1t-G38_yfjKmUfm2mOfhqu6vpcEYyAyEfwmVYR9QTqwUnnyx1TadhNzCZsf6OZCXgHFYPJ8e207xPMP6iOJSIu0ukVc15jGGPOWVMRm9l3FiyFimrf-dhw/s400/DSC00499.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <div><div></div><div>My hawty hawt shoes:</div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352783462384701410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyiNwk4W2O0psz8a6oaHOmaceVegpAcDKtieUzXyy1n3bZ6mbo4CrolvRewDYuPK9Xl1AZqT3zosIAa3I7xmmUUQha_k48Bdia3YybKOwfm_nPlQMFKq78Ww_-Pl_A6YpRyUJ8cVFnssk/s400/untitled3.bmp" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></div><div></div><div>(Yes. I have blisters.) </div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352781311397473634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZtQ2A38b31-padQlEX5SKZtlPXhR7UViEIOFErC350xOA_Vmr2Q_chc77r99901Vl_T_yc1YAV7I-Ry1XqVW8tD0LdeN_DwMazOENhOQbU-hzhtPiFzKYik5u6bgGR-RbevVJ2cX7rs/s400/DSC00501.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />My and my BFF. We've been best friends for about 23 years. Five NK's concerts together, and I wouldn't want to go with anyone else:<br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352781316915416338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdwM7NlZ0GluH8kxd9QRpMvro6XexBasBdHgYumTL9LBt-d0YZlWXBHh5zHhsw1tqah2cOPE4ItYfOstJy8fz4bdKWb4XcPu8J8v3kvyxN_EjbrHLjSrR61Zt7oNVROQ24Z1ldTyx29M/s400/DSC00505.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 397px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></div><div>And a self portrait with the massive crowd behind us!!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRy-y3siYih117ZZWlPGwiMvdo841yATntP6zSnSBKHgXpKgVrqXhOHWOQhdWdd7zoIQQOf2gtgabTxsl96fGpZN0tAiXWZuBrBjJQkFPwXoI8OJ_rCLC-uHPvUMXPeBRC1KeyHcwwck/s1600-h/Untitled10.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352783463236362226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRy-y3siYih117ZZWlPGwiMvdo841yATntP6zSnSBKHgXpKgVrqXhOHWOQhdWdd7zoIQQOf2gtgabTxsl96fGpZN0tAiXWZuBrBjJQkFPwXoI8OJ_rCLC-uHPvUMXPeBRC1KeyHcwwck/s400/Untitled10.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 223px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>So GET THIS. Before the show, my BF is Twittering Donnie (to my fellow twitterers (?) I'm sorry for the goofy posts last night!) and just to be funny, I twitter him our section, row and seats and tell him to come out to see us (we heard earlier that they come out in the crowd.) <div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div><br />Later in the show, the lights go down and all the sudden the guys are all spread out in the crowd. Donnie is immediately to our right, about five feet away. My sis and BF are over there in two seconds. I turn around and Joe is to my left, about five feet away as well. The seas parted and crazed <strike>girls</strike> grown women went screaming to each side of me. I stood like a goofball right smack in the middle, by myself, freaking out -- which way to go???</div><div></div><div><br />I was frozen. I couldn't decide. (Ladies, they were both smokin' hot. Smokin'.) I look over to the right at Donnie and there's this cute chick dancing with him, and I'm like, oh, she's cute! Oh, I hate her. Oh, she's cute though. But oh wait, look, there's Joe! Right there. Geez, that girl is still dancing with Donnie! I still don't know which way to go. Frozen. </div><div></div><div><br />I look over again...it hits me....</div><div></div><div>MY SISTER IS DANCING WITH DONNIE WAHLBERG. Wait. <em>What?</em> MY SISTER IS DANCING WITH DONNIE WAHLBERG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div><div></div><div><br />It was the most surreal experience of my life. I run over there, get on a chair and am about three feet from Donnie, eye level....</div><div></div><div><br />And I don't have a camera. Nothing. My phone had long died, I didn't bring in my camera, I had no idea where the other cameras were. I could have gotten <em>the most amazing</em> pictures of Joe and Donnie if I had one. I am <em>hating myself</em> right now!!<br /><br />I don't even know if they get twitters from fans, but we thought it was so odd that he ended up right next to us. :) It was fantastic. My best friend has been a Donnie fan for 20 years and held his hand. We felt like we were 15 again, only better. :) It was the best concert I've ever been to, hands down. There are only about ten more concerts -- if you are not sure about going -- you MUST. You won't regret it. They know how to entertain!! </div><div></div><div><br />Thanks for letting me gush!! I feel like you are all my friends, so I had to share the night with you! And a big thanks to those of you who could care less about former teeny boppers for putting up with me lately. I swear, no more about it -- back to painting, crafting, decorating....<strong>I promise</strong>. :) </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

It. was. awesome.

Oh my goodness people. I cannot even tell you how. much. fun. we had last night. I'm not even kidding. It was the time of my life!!! Fir...

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Gumball fish tank

I saw <a href="http://www.addicted2decorating.com/diy-project-accessories-gumball-machine-fish-bowl.html">this</a> project at least a year ago, probably more. I fell. in. love. I knew, one day, it would be mine. Well, Thursday was that day!! I have been had my eye out for a gumball machine for all this time, and last week there it was, at Goodwill!<br /><br />I squealed with glee! (Really, I did. Out loud.) It didn't matter if it was $30, I was gonna get it. But it was only $10. <em>Scha-wing!!</em><br /><br />So this weekend, we welcomed Squishy to our family: <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350733802489661858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZvN8FuyFVyE6Foxpx7LswlzMgqPZNXI2gUw_WwvlPh-uhvTlXu6WoJ5Rj2GP9Z9nnLimaB1xWkMHodvOUxtnr1Xy61xWffo3R6WP_A0AAND9iJ17OkcMDvLVxXzRAvW_SFn0QOQR_M0S/s400/DSC00452.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" />He's a little shy. (He didn't realize a crazed bloggy woman was taking him home.) If you want to try this -- all you'll need for this project is the gumball machine, aquarium sealant and a cut piece of glass.<br /><br />To start, take all the innards out of the gumball machine. This takes about ten seconds. Next, take the globe to a glass cutter to get a piece cut the size of the bottom. Mine was $3 and it took them five minutes:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjcMlNijVs_cWj5GiYU-0jtbJXaF_FRUggjjKTlTICulROyWTPpwEDoVrjWYh3KJA-Q2PTHAFcSV4Io43GQuY6WizUGeP5ufFYcRrnOjovP_2JCcN9lui5QCoVri41dRns3OM0hK8M57A/s1600-h/DSC00407.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349978929981886226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjcMlNijVs_cWj5GiYU-0jtbJXaF_FRUggjjKTlTICulROyWTPpwEDoVrjWYh3KJA-Q2PTHAFcSV4Io43GQuY6WizUGeP5ufFYcRrnOjovP_2JCcN9lui5QCoVri41dRns3OM0hK8M57A/s400/DSC00407.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> Take the sealant (from any pet store, less than $5) and put a thick, chunky bead of it around the edge of the circle of glass, on top. Place it onto the bottom of the globe. Don't push too hard, so that the sealant all squishes out. You want there to be some between the two pieces of glass:<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9DPIKlLy_SdnIDA6yG-KBsDnX3eG6wbpuRzbfrPFWP1NlhevfoLyhUnAS5Gub3ZmX21uB-5L1pcC0dY-pkuPX2PLopphjJ_udFc7MylvDPeSHTQT67lxdA7Te9cF_3I0mpsv_sgLDIQh/s1600-h/DSC00417.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349978916065591218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9DPIKlLy_SdnIDA6yG-KBsDnX3eG6wbpuRzbfrPFWP1NlhevfoLyhUnAS5Gub3ZmX21uB-5L1pcC0dY-pkuPX2PLopphjJ_udFc7MylvDPeSHTQT67lxdA7Te9cF_3I0mpsv_sgLDIQh/s400/DSC00417.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> I was trying to make the bottom look at neat and clean, and they realized we'll never see the bottom with the marbles, so I just left it messy. I also took my (gloved) finger and spread it around the seam inside as well, to make sure the sealant was everywhere. </div><br /><div></div><div>This is the view from the side (the aqua-colored piece around the bottom is what I glued on):<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSbna_vRrKglfO-A_N5GAjctl_GcZ7VdK_yAqrcRr7ti7kYyxebn08jkYOQW4P1OFvqCdv95xrUkxLGNdy6Y540LJkJEO-MRuWJMFFc_SMQaJYEI2LErQIhnoNzWIVYlSlMt3B5tk5zC6/s1600-h/DSC00418.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349978910862526578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSbna_vRrKglfO-A_N5GAjctl_GcZ7VdK_yAqrcRr7ti7kYyxebn08jkYOQW4P1OFvqCdv95xrUkxLGNdy6Y540LJkJEO-MRuWJMFFc_SMQaJYEI2LErQIhnoNzWIVYlSlMt3B5tk5zC6/s400/DSC00418.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> It has to dry for 48 hours, and then you can test it to make sure there are no leaks. After that, just fill with the fun stuff!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXkRBecZQNZAOc8erTjf2Q_pjwuFsA8ACgNHXZOFKP9W2qNwlLhf9U1gS3kfO4lFTwaRSRZId_XDSXBTbOLpxJVQo6kVGPuDtqjh61h76gVBPOdtgNFRUhIN-7XyJ5zdVPT7hAuOB4Lmm/s1600-h/DSC00421.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349978908206014098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXkRBecZQNZAOc8erTjf2Q_pjwuFsA8ACgNHXZOFKP9W2qNwlLhf9U1gS3kfO4lFTwaRSRZId_XDSXBTbOLpxJVQo6kVGPuDtqjh61h76gVBPOdtgNFRUhIN-7XyJ5zdVPT7hAuOB4Lmm/s400/DSC00421.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> I used two packets of blue and green glass for $1.99 each, an a plant for $4:<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzsw6fYAlRG44XZeo7liaTwYCdIki7uq8hmd7Ur9AKs3Lt5h8ADPHiqx0cfswTpltwPmEwICELGubGK6YQd350jJWaad50xnevzdBdSFgLVGjkkFd5SXTkc7mcFD9HNi55k2OL4uEt5iT/s1600-h/DSC00424.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349978905040518210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzsw6fYAlRG44XZeo7liaTwYCdIki7uq8hmd7Ur9AKs3Lt5h8ADPHiqx0cfswTpltwPmEwICELGubGK6YQd350jJWaad50xnevzdBdSFgLVGjkkFd5SXTkc7mcFD9HNi55k2OL4uEt5iT/s400/DSC00424.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> I always wanted a fish for our son, and knew this was the only way to do it. With <strong>three</strong> cats in this house, fishy-fishy needs to be covered. Betta fish are different and can survive with less oxygen, <em>and</em> they tend to jump out of their homes (?!) so a cover is recommended.<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjS77WiR5Nd6n4ZzxA1EMxlGycji6vxQN3D3XqAZP8JSW_RBSR3fTOLpAuaMOTV5vJOVUx6krrlG7hF8Mq2140FsCRyjTuIDkODuQ2B9owjReIDZqnmRqyvAkYEwI8oZsJtE9uM94fAF7W/s1600-h/DSC00433.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349978549209074514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjS77WiR5Nd6n4ZzxA1EMxlGycji6vxQN3D3XqAZP8JSW_RBSR3fTOLpAuaMOTV5vJOVUx6krrlG7hF8Mq2140FsCRyjTuIDkODuQ2B9owjReIDZqnmRqyvAkYEwI8oZsJtE9uM94fAF7W/s400/DSC00433.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> This weekend we watched Finding Nemo, and it had me feeling major mommy-fish guilt about keeping this guy in a bowl. (Sheesh.) But it's one of my favorite kiddo movies, and the Squishy part is freaking hilarious, so <em>I shall call him Squishy</em>:<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ghFou8n_oN_iDPEIdX1XVo2Nn0dh5i0N0glH29fTtPtECp3L_0K2t3RB6oTpNHeutAA6Vdx66uiUz5dxHkudeMw1IHY7DYju9q_u4FO_LMIzmoCKaBFb0yhrZti_-sR6gMFiy-8qKDQb/s1600-h/DSC00444.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349978542308340482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ghFou8n_oN_iDPEIdX1XVo2Nn0dh5i0N0glH29fTtPtECp3L_0K2t3RB6oTpNHeutAA6Vdx66uiUz5dxHkudeMw1IHY7DYju9q_u4FO_LMIzmoCKaBFb0yhrZti_-sR6gMFiy-8qKDQb/s400/DSC00444.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> And over a gallon of water is better than the cup they have them in in the store, right? I <em>saved</em> him, he's not in captivity. :)<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349978546800618578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQqUJynv4u7vYZrPng8liqIySWi7xNAuRjiAXn0hdt5T5OTJfATEIygjhBD5QpCorgBUfBDG8T3XEuTXKuYuuYFh-4O8vi6y-x0_tjezEMyS4JezNnBnWej0j790v3DqejBSDtrCUIJaF/s400/DSC00438.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 358px;" /><strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">Adorable.</span> </strong>The pictures just don't do this justice. And the machine is a pretty deep red, not blaring orange red like in these I-took-these-pictures-at-night-and-they-always-look-like-crap pictures.<br /><div></div><br /><div>I am so excited for the winners of giveaway!! The winner of Beki's necklace is Beth Kohne and the winner of Bob's print is Molly from <a href="http://orangeblossompolkadots.blogspot.com/">All about a girl and two boys</a>. (Picked by Random.org.) Please e-mail me with your information and I'll get it to Beki and Bob!</div><br /><div></div><div>P.S. Countdown to the NKOTB concert is <em>ON</em> BABY!!! WOOOeeee!!! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Gumball fish tank

I saw this project at least a year ago, probably more. I fell. in. love. I knew, one day, it would be mine. Well, Thursday was that day!! I...

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OMG!!!! (Squealing like a 13-year-old girl!)

<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">THEY. ARE. COMING.</span></div><div align="center"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1gazuMjeef4bNagdZV5wjbcqitOZ0xjqLz0ZxitI6iBI4dg1YsCwcIBTK8WBgBkPvSf0xeUA2fW2pBAFB-XXjdCa2A9duEU3hJXZqgQJl4ALl7dY8WMFbH3FCUoXb1L5HcJYl3kWoer5/s1600-h/wall_3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319129621747727298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1gazuMjeef4bNagdZV5wjbcqitOZ0xjqLz0ZxitI6iBI4dg1YsCwcIBTK8WBgBkPvSf0xeUA2fW2pBAFB-XXjdCa2A9duEU3hJXZqgQJl4ALl7dY8WMFbH3FCUoXb1L5HcJYl3kWoer5/s400/wall_3.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 207px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 153px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0poClUG28y9_54fOI-dK1nZZleMgD7iQkFIO2ub9SPR5gfVVJ1BWv5gqXx7jIkp3Bp-3nGHocQO2LI6rGKZKZLlNJrBAMrEjACWds0ualBk_Ue_3ztZKTbmc-Rf2OKxWdRHsXppsMIhQ/s1600-h/3058887043_e1d7934efa_m.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319129438844089938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0poClUG28y9_54fOI-dK1nZZleMgD7iQkFIO2ub9SPR5gfVVJ1BWv5gqXx7jIkp3Bp-3nGHocQO2LI6rGKZKZLlNJrBAMrEjACWds0ualBk_Ue_3ztZKTbmc-Rf2OKxWdRHsXppsMIhQ/s400/3058887043_e1d7934efa_m.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br />Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!! </div><div align="center">Finally the day has arrived! </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em><strong></strong></em></div><div align="center"><em><strong><br />Yes</strong>, I squealed</em>. Blew out my hubby's eardrums. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br />My girlfriends and I are already planning how we are going to purchase the <em>front row</em> seats. </div><div align="center">Who do we know? Who can we bribe? Who can we <strike>steal</strike> borrow from? </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br />We will get them. <em>Oh yes</em>, we will.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br />OK. Done. Back to our scheduled programming. Check out my five dollar projects below. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em><strong>Squeal!</strong></em></span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br />UPDATE: Tickets are secured by a very-powerful-distant-cousin-of-best-friend-and-coworker-of-my-sister person. </div><div align="center">We don't know where we will be sitting but this guy has connections around here I am confident he will <strong><em>hook us up!!</em></strong></div><div align="center">Awww yeah!!</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em><strong>Double squeal!</strong></em></span></div>

OMG!!!! (Squealing like a 13-year-old girl!)

THEY. ARE. COMING. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!! Finally the day has arrived! Yes , I squealed . Blew out my hubby's eardrums. My girlf...

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