tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75040242469187244122024-02-19T05:01:03.950-08:00Reckless Blissrecklessblisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09530528269888507923noreply@blogger.comBlogger272125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504024246918724412.post-77444427999809380132012-08-14T01:10:00.001-07:002012-08-14T01:10:26.874-07:00-Snapshot Of The Week-<div align="center">
<img alt="http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq150/ArtDomino_9/Feb%2018/GillianAnderson_04.jpg" height="500" src="http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq150/ArtDomino_9/Feb%2018/GillianAnderson_04.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="333" />“I truly believe that we can overcome any hurdle that lies before us and create the life we want to live. I have seen it happen time and time again.”</div>
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-Ms Gillian Anderson</div>
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(<a href="http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq150/ArtDomino_9/Feb%2018/GillianAnderson_04.jpg">1</a>)</div>
recklessblisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09530528269888507923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504024246918724412.post-28655536718014210392012-07-26T16:54:00.001-07:002012-07-26T16:56:09.633-07:00-Snapshot Of The Week-<div align="center">
<img alt="Tippi Hedren" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/226868899948271239_DGthHp4s_f.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">“I've always had a fascination for animals. I loved watching them, and even then I thought of them as beings rather than pets. I call it a birth affect!”</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">-Ms Tippi Hedren</span></div>
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(<a href="http://www.tvrage.com/person/id-15394/gallery/?view=56147">1</a>)</div>recklessblisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09530528269888507923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504024246918724412.post-89112709893635154292012-07-21T16:53:00.001-07:002012-07-21T16:55:51.461-07:00In The Kitchen With Mango Spring Rolls<div align="center">
<img alt="20120717_205007" height="527" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TSBAjCHKvBA/UAtA7XTwLWI/AAAAAAAAHFc/eevBKloPXiI/20120717_205007%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="20120717_205007" width="550" /> Ok folks, it’s “In The Kitchen” time which is probably my favorite time because I love me food. I find it fundamentally strange when people say <i>eat to live, don’t live to eat</i>. Can’t I do both? And what better food to eat during these excruciatingly hot summer months (yes, it gets hot in Canada too believe it or not) than to indulge in a super healthy and more importantly, oven free meal? I found the recipe for these spring rolls in <a href="https://twitter.com/_ChefRoberto">Chef Roberto Martin’s</a> new cookbook, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vegan-Cooking-Carnivores-Recipes-Tasty/dp/1609412427">Vegan Cooking For Carnivores</a>. </div>
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Before you start moving your mouse over to the <i>close</i> button, WAIT! <i>Vegan</i> is not a scary, tasteless, or hippie word. Or at least not anymore. Spring rolls are a great example of food that tastes lovely and doesn’t involve a single animal to make. You can see the recipe in full at the bottom of this post. I’m also including a video of Chef Martin preparing another version of spring rolls on The Ellen Show below (he happens to be her and Portia’s personal chef. Lucky ladies!) so you can check that out too. I’ll be adjusting this recipe to what I happened to have on hand at the time so they wont be the exact same recipe but that’s another fabulous feature of this meal. You can make it a zillion different ways and have it taste like heaven every time.</div>
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<img alt="20120717_192523" height="668" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QcOSlqaTU-Q/UAtA8bOsLDI/AAAAAAAAHFk/E2sO7lhkIhg/20120717_192523%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="20120717_192523" width="500" />The steps are super easy. Basically take all your veggies out of the fridge and chop up what you fancy. I went with lettuce, red and orange peppers, green onion, carrots and mango. Be sure to dice up everything nice and small so it will easily fill your rice paper roll.</div>
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<img alt="20120717_194111" height="668" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FsLfGPwnQEg/UAtA82kDsHI/AAAAAAAAHFs/YrZN9q4Umpg/20120717_194111%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="20120717_194111" width="500" /> Then I added some herbs from my garden which is so stupidly exciting for me. Something about having grown it myself and having it on hand when I need it is exhilarating. Some people like to jump out of planes, I have an herb garden. </div>
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I added cilantro, mint, and basil chopped finely. You can also cut some thin slices of avocado at this point and put them to the side to add with your filling later. Now pause and take a whiff of your bowl for the smells of summer at its finest.</div>
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<img alt="20120717_195401" height="361" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bp6rOIaXKn4/UAtA9YicB7I/AAAAAAAAHF0/l95uw5Yb0HA/20120717_195401%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="20120717_195401" width="550" />This was my first time using rice paper but it was easier to use than opening and heating a can of beans. You literally just need to dip a sheet in some warm water for about 20 seconds and you’re good to go. I used a cookie sheet so the entire rice paper sheet can be moistened at once. The higher the temp of the water the quicker it will be ready to use.</div>
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<img alt="20120717_194747" height="668" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t4DuhJoQ1Qc/UAtA-BPY21I/AAAAAAAAHF8/eON3Y3UEUBI/20120717_194747%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="20120717_194747" width="500" />Lay your sheet out on a cutting board and straighten it out, checking for tears and holes.</div>
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<img alt="20120717_194902" height="668" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U7bfr3LY4JI/UAtA-rHimmI/AAAAAAAAHGE/J82-gEs5BZM/20120717_194902%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="20120717_194902" width="500" /> Now scoop a big spoonful of your filling onto the sheet about 1/3rd down from the top.</div>
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<img alt="20120717_195026" height="668" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5fRdWm0fh10/UAtA_T2E33I/AAAAAAAAHGM/YRqVcWDh3pA/20120717_195026%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="20120717_195026" width="500" /> Add a couple slices of avocado and sprinkle on a little pepper if you dig it.</div>
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<img alt="20120717_195104" height="668" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7DJucmMZ_EQ/UAtA_8l1eHI/AAAAAAAAHGU/gl-QCicb_B4/20120717_195104%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="20120717_195104" width="500" />Then roll the bottom of the sheet up and over the filling and tuck it underneath nice and snugly. It reminded me of rolling up my sleeping bag as a kid except you wont have to stuff this into a ridiculously tiny bag once you roll it all the way up.</div>
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<img alt="20120717_195131" height="668" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nJvJwTYj_yU/UAtBAUDwLvI/AAAAAAAAHGc/STxB44bWXys/20120717_195131%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="20120717_195131" width="500" />Now you want to flip both sides of the roll towards the center to seal up the sides. The moisture from the rice paper acts as an awesome glue to hold everything together so it’s really a cinch to get right. Then you just finish rolling it out to the end.</div>
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<img alt="20120717_195206" height="546" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0GncOnzbPjw/UAtBAzTVBQI/AAAAAAAAHGk/PejzM7OtXoA/20120717_195206%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="20120717_195206" width="500" /> And viola, there’s your completed spring roll! I cut each of these babies on a diagonal so you can see the colorful goodness inside and arranged them on a plate all fancy-like:</div>
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<img alt="20120717_205007" height="527" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TSBAjCHKvBA/UAtA7XTwLWI/AAAAAAAAHFc/eevBKloPXiI/20120717_205007%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="20120717_205007" width="550" />This would be an awesome starter at a party or served with a summer BBQ. We had them as our dinner and they were perfect. I could eat them like potato chips. What’s also great is they are incredibly filling but you’re full of guilt-free food so everyone’s a winner :)</div>
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<img alt="20120717_205047" height="570" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-puLBBwdU4co/UAtBBsEZesI/AAAAAAAAHGs/Ag_bQXYjIk4/20120717_205047%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="20120717_205047" width="550" /> The dipping sauce for these guys is super flavorful. It’s also crazy painless to make too. Check out the recipe in full below for the instructions on the rolls and how to make a yummy sauce to dunk them in:</div>
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<br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>Mango Spring Rolls</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Rolls:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">1 package Rice Paper</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">2-3 cups of Lettuce, finely chopped (I used romaine)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">1 Red and Orange Pepper, finely chopped</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">1 Medium Size Carrot, grated or cut finely</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">1 Mango, diced</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">1/2 cup Green Onions, finely chopped</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">1 Handful Each of Cilantro, Mint and Basil, roughly chopped</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">2 Avocados, in slices</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Sauce:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Juice of 1 Lemon, Lime, and Orange</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">1 tsp Fresh Ginger Grated</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">1 Clove Garlic, minced</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">1/2 cup Soy Sauce</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">1/2 cup Water</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Directions:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Combine all the vegetables for rolls except avocados in a large bowl and mix well. Lay a sheet of rice paper in warm water for 20 seconds. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Lay paper out on flat surface and spoon filling onto lower portion of paper. Add 1 or slice of avocado and fold the bottom of rice paper over the filling tucking it snugly underneath. Fold over the sides of the paper towards the center to seal sides. Continue rolling to the end of sheet and slice roll in half. arrange on plate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">For sauce, whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Enjoy.</span></div>
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And that’s all it takes. It’s a great way to beat the heat and get your fresh summer veggie servings. What kinds of things do you cook during summer that avoid the dreaded oven? Share your thoughts!</div>
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And as promised, here is Chef Martin preparing a similar version of these rolls on The Ellen Show:</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(All photos are property of Reckless Bliss)</span></div>recklessblisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09530528269888507923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504024246918724412.post-48150138067042395382012-07-10T23:19:00.000-07:002012-07-21T16:58:58.580-07:00Summer Lovin’ 2012<div align="center">
<img alt="IMG_20120710_203535" height="550" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RGbWV6Xs0fk/T_0iAv1MwlI/AAAAAAAAHDo/5WW3YCPonuQ/IMG_20120710_203535%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_20120710_203535" width="550" />Last summer I shared with you folks what all the happenings were in my little neck of the woods. You can see that <a href="http://recklessbliss.blogspot.ca/2011/08/summer-lovin.html">post here</a> if you wish. This is my second summer in our first home and although summer is still in its early stages I thought I’d give you a look-see into my present life during these sun shiny days.</div>
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<img alt="IMG_20120710_203636" height="550" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_eA9qvKVz0A/T_0iBUdgeTI/AAAAAAAAHDw/3sazZGjl2Ic/IMG_20120710_203636%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_20120710_203636" width="550" />I purchased these sweet little porcelain garden markers from Chapters at 50% off (score!). This summer I’ve mostly stuck with herbs like mint and lavender but I’m hoping to learn some mad gardening skills and by next summer be able to grow everything you see labelled above. As a vegan lady it’s exciting to think one day I can cut way back on grocery shopping and just eat from my backyard the food I’ve put my hard working hands into. Or fail miserably with a bunch of dead plants…. who knows! :)</div>
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<img alt="IMG_20120709_215017" height="550" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nHyHYRoXAHI/T_0iCNsKzjI/AAAAAAAAHD4/Tj3GhXTmKx4/IMG_20120709_215017%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_20120709_215017" width="550" />A big part of my summer lovin’ consists of buying sweet sweet local berries. I’ve been gulping down fruit smoothies in the morning as opposed to my regular steaming hot coffee since I feel like <i>sweaty moose</i> is not a great look for me-unless I’m kicking butt at the gym. Smoothies are such a satisfying way to fill your tummy up sans the guilt and sneak in all the yucky health powders and stuff people like to consume. I add maca powder, chia seeds and a B12 powder to mine for an extra nutrition boost. See more about those products <a href="http://recklessbliss.blogspot.ca/2012/05/no-more-cheese-but-how.html">here</a>.</div>
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<img alt="20120709_195837" height="600" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y6MHe8H-RVA/T_0iDsuDVaI/AAAAAAAAHEA/k24lrXbX3PQ/20120709_195837%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="20120709_195837" width="450" /> My galfriend gave me this hearty white ikea planter and every summer I put it by my front door to brighten up our entrance and give you a burst of flowery scent when you come and go. This year I filled it with some sunny begonias and other bright blooms. It feels extra jolly to come home to some peppy flowers.</div>
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<img alt="IMG_20120709_213847" height="550" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aN11WW6ZmEs/T_0iEaa4waI/AAAAAAAAHEI/aE3PhM2HK34/IMG_20120709_213847%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_20120709_213847" width="550" />I have to admit summer is not my favorite of all the seasons. I rather enjoy the crisp chill of a brisk Autumn day but when my pink roses come into bloom I forget all about the sweltering heat and feel downright jubilant. I can be a majorly prissy girl I know, but there’s just something so gosh dang pretty about roses growing in your yard. On that note here’s one of my favorite cheesy “think positive” quotes: </div>
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<i>Instead of complaining about the thorns on the rose bush, be grateful that the thorn bush has roses.</i></div>
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<img alt="20120709_195904" height="412" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hSNLlueaOkI/T_0iFI4Mg5I/AAAAAAAAHEQ/MswJ3BWmgtY/20120709_195904%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="20120709_195904" width="550" />These are my sweet “Welcome to our Home” flowers in my front door basket. Yes, more pink! I loves me some pink. I can’t remember the name of these little cuties but they are small flowering buds that stay fairly compact and are super easy to maintain. I know this because I tend to inadvertently kill most plants but these guys are hanging tough (while being adorbs!)</div>
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<img alt="IMG_20120710_204624" height="550" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--r9yAIxVinc/T_0iFw5NLgI/AAAAAAAAHEY/3xh4bBlsK5I/IMG_20120710_204624%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_20120710_204624" width="550" />I’ve also been doing something I’m very good at: evoking my inner consumer. I went on a bit of a shopping spree with my lady friend and bought some spiffy new stuff. I found this <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/gifts/Twist-Scarf/882709054535-item.html?ikwid=scarf&ikwsec=Home">daffodil scarf</a> for $15 at Chapters and it’s one of those fantastically gigantic ones you can do all sorts of different things with (good thing you pinned “600+ ways to tie scarves” on Pinterest last week!) The tangerine ring is from <a href="http://www.hm.com/ca/">H&M</a> and only set me back $7. I have a serious “big funky rings” addiction. The lipstick is from <a href="http://www.sephora.com/rouge-shine-lipstick-P310714">Sephora</a> (a store that could empty my bank account in one visit if I’m not on high alert) in a really sweet shade of, you guessed it, PINK. My skin is paler than a scoop of vanilla ice cream (I have a little chat about that fact <a href="http://recklessbliss.blogspot.ca/2012/02/pale-in-comparison.html">here</a>) so I can’t pull of the fun coral colors that you tanner beauties can or I’ll look like a clown. A soft pink is always my go-to color, this one is called Lovable. And lastly I picked up this adorable little book <a href="http://www.babycakesnyc.com/books.html">Baby Cakes</a> from my local library for some sweet vegan treat ideas to make for weekend get togethers with my chums. It’s a pretty awesome little book, I recommend checking it out.</div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/j"><img alt="" height="330" src="http://www.samsung.com/global/galaxys3/images/gallery/img_gallery_white2.png" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" /></a>My other little shopping spree consisted of something a touch more extravagant. Recently my iPhone decided it was done being alive and just checked out. No good-bye letter, no forwarding address, just a cold hard black screen of hatred. I felt like I was missing a leg for the three or so days I had no phone. What did people do before cell phones? How do you leave the house without a phone? What if I was out and saw something mildly interesting or funny? How would I instantly tell everyone I know about it?!……. Anarchy!</div>
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So I walked into Best Buy all confident that I wouldn’t get swept up into any fancy sales footwork and walked out of Best Buy with Samsung’s brand new Galaxy S3, a nifty case and the extended protection plan. That sales person was smooooth! (I also found out I was his first sale, so maybe I just lack smoothness?) What I found silly was that I am so unhip and non-trendy that I had no clue this was the new <i>“gotta have it” </i>cell phone. I didn’t even look at the display model before I bought it; the salesmen just said this was the phone to get and I blindly agreed. What can I say? I was delirious from not being able to read tweets on-the-go. I would have bought a phone made of asbestos and the tears children if it had a data plan and a decent camera. Addictions are no joke people! </div>
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Anywho, after using my new phone in public and being constantly asked by excited strangers about it, I realized I fell head first into the latest trend. I suddenly felt like putting on my sunglasses and strutting my stuff. </div>
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<img alt="IMG_20120709_214744" height="550" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2TiNywIZBAc/T_0iHvGtbQI/AAAAAAAAHEg/xh1vq6zTEeQ/IMG_20120709_214744%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_20120709_214744" width="550" /> At any given time in my life, a portion will consist of <i>animal loving</i> because I am one of those psycho: “Don’t swat at the flies!” “My cats are my children!” “What’s the harm in the racoons eating the leftovers out of the trash can? It’s not like we need them!” kind of person. My Ma is currently fostering four little black kittens. This cute little man above is named Luigi and is available for adoption to a good home. </div>
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Now for cuteness x4:</div>
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<img alt="IMG_20120709_215224" height="550" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mEK6zK9MRW4/T_0iIVQ3rxI/AAAAAAAAHEo/Ms3oms3Dou4/IMG_20120709_215224%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_20120709_215224" width="550" /> A hug full of sunshine is what this is. These four little tykes are all up for grabs to a home brimming with love. (IF you can pry them from my arms!)</div>
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<img alt="IMG_20120709_214549" height="550" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iX4U5I_zQUc/T_0iJEQWfjI/AAAAAAAAHEw/uCJ6QkQb1Hg/IMG_20120709_214549%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_20120709_214549" width="550" /> And speaking of tykes. This is my little guy Henri who I’m always happy to be welcomed home by. Don’t be fooled by his sophisticated stance, this guy is a handful and a half. Curiosity with total disregard for safety and/or home furnishings is the definition of <i>Henri</i>.</div>
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<img alt="20120707_162719" height="733" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XLg1mPYYMoA/T_0iJhPttiI/AAAAAAAAHE4/oO1vk-jPdHc/20120707_162719%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="20120707_162719" width="550" /> Last but not least, what would summer be without spending time with your friends? My fella and I share in quality time with our friends and our godson whenever the opportunity presents itself and can you blame us? Look at that face. Not the virile hairy one with the deep brown eyes; that’s my guy:) I’m talking about the bald little goof-troop who is pleased as punch sitting in his big buddy’s lap!</div>
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<img alt="baby" height="679" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-N9mi1fBvv40/T_0iNbz2tII/AAAAAAAAHFA/wOhJaWuU0D4/baby%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="baby" width="550" /> Of course not nearly as pleased as when he’s sitting in Auntie’s lap! The boy has good taste.</div>
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So how is you Summer coming along so far? Any exciting plans or just relaxing in the sunshine with some delicious ice tea?</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> (Photos property of Reckless Bliss with the exception of <a href="http://www.samsung.com/global/galaxys3/gallery.html">#8</a>)</span></div>recklessblisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09530528269888507923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504024246918724412.post-14841215456415681652012-07-05T03:39:00.001-07:002012-08-29T15:51:29.480-07:00-Snapshot Of The Week-<div align="center">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfReFKfxxPDfcaNPIJVOxXYEQp4iheW2_Hiv-u5kTICsyT4wc9_EXTbOl8xRbHkqFBR5Y4rjj_RdfNPL3a1vD4sPEWbfb6wRm5V2uNlm8SkVgKGuDUO4K9rM5_Q_snXjF9lvwhn200NZYa/s1600/82261130663890630_6BkhpRaO_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfReFKfxxPDfcaNPIJVOxXYEQp4iheW2_Hiv-u5kTICsyT4wc9_EXTbOl8xRbHkqFBR5Y4rjj_RdfNPL3a1vD4sPEWbfb6wRm5V2uNlm8SkVgKGuDUO4K9rM5_Q_snXjF9lvwhn200NZYa/s400/82261130663890630_6BkhpRaO_f.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
“When I’m old and gray, I want to have a house by the sea and paint with a lot of wonderful chums, good music, and booze around. And a damn good kitchen to cook in.”</div>
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-Ms Ava Gardner</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(<a href="http://vintagegal.tumblr.com/post/225694089/young-ava-gardner">1</a>)</span></div>
recklessblisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09530528269888507923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504024246918724412.post-52537890073305154222012-07-01T03:55:00.001-07:002012-07-02T21:35:19.299-07:00Diane Keaton’s $5.6 Million Home<div align="center">
<img alt="Diane Keaton's House" height="414" src="http://cdn.cnwimg.com/galleryThumb/2d7948a08405063c33b26afbb9a53905.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" />Diane Keaton isn’t just an Oscar winning actress, director, photographer, and philanthropist, she also has “<i>home flipper extraordinaire</i>” listed on her already stacked resume. Ms Keaton has been known to purchase houses and restore them for resale all while remaining an A-list star (Suddenly I feel like a major under-achiever...) Although this adorable three year old Cape Cod style home is not currently on the market it wouldn’t be surprising to see it listed soon since she is known for purchasing, flipping and selling homes quickly. </div>
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Let’s take a look-see inside at some of Keaton’s mad skills:</div>
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<img alt="Diane Keaton's House" height="411" src="http://cdn.cnwimg.com/galleryThumb/bca2e4e12cec388ea4501d61f1730416.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" />The home is located in the Pacific Palisades, California and has 7,800 square feet for her and her two children, Duke and Dexter, to stretch out and relax in. Within that massive space there are a total of six bedrooms and nine bathrooms.</div>
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<img alt="" height="365" src="http://cdn03.cdnwp.celebuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/21/21/Diane-Keaton-Buys-Gorgeous-Pacific-Palisades-Home-For-5.6M2.jpeg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" />I feel anti-feminist just saying this but is there a woman alive who doesn’t love a gigantic beautiful kitchen island? If there is, we probably wouldn’t get along. </div>
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<img alt="Diane Keaton's House" height="413" src="http://cdn.cnwimg.com/galleryThumb/65a995113c65339caf9bb9781e1e11d7.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" />Of course the house has all the usual top of the line frills like a movie theater, wine room, gym and game room. If you’ve got 7,800 square feet to fill then why not right? I’m really digging the warm open living and kitchen area.</div>
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<img alt="Diane Keaton's House" height="411" src="http://cdn.cnwimg.com/galleryThumb/091da9ee2abad91407308f67d1571076.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" />This bedroom reminds me a lot of the interior design from Keaton’s film “<a href="http://recklessbliss.blogspot.ca/2010/04/hamptons-shingle-style-homes.html">Something’s Gotta Give</a>” which you can see more of on my post about <a href="http://recklessbliss.blogspot.ca/2010/04/hamptons-shingle-style-homes.html">Hampton style homes here</a>. Men simply don’t understand the importance of a bed properly stacked with lovely pillows.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">What do you guys think of Ms Diane Keaton’s purdy home?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(</span><a href="http://www.celebritynetworth.com/articles/celebrity-homes/diane-keatons-house-cooler-oscarwinning-house-flipper/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">1</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.celebuzz.com/2012-06-21/diane-keaton-buys-gorgeous-pacific-palisades-home-for-5-6m-take-a-peek-inside-photos/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">2</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">)</span></div>recklessblisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09530528269888507923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504024246918724412.post-17743885948081467832012-05-17T23:31:00.001-07:002012-05-17T23:33:26.887-07:00Celine Dion Lists Home For $29.7<div align="center">
<img height="367" src="http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/OB-SZ621_0518ce_H_20120517131114.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" />One of my most favorite people, Celine Dion, has listed her breathtaking French-Normandy style home for $29.7 million which just happens to sit on its very own gated 20 acre island. It’s said that she and her husband Rene Angelil want to spend more time in their main place of residency, Las Vegas, while Celine fulfills her performance obligations with Cesar’s Palace.</div>
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<img alt="cd" height="367" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9KWQqOq6tqE/T7XsdVl1WII/AAAAAAAAHCE/zzoljtdiapA/cd%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="cd" width="550" /> The home is being sold to include all furnishings and artwork. So all the grief of finding and filling this 24-thousand square foot home is done for you. And might I add that staircase is fit for royalty!</div>
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<img alt="cd2" height="366" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gImF-Q6k8Ac/T7XsgjEytdI/AAAAAAAAHCM/qzjMcq6FOIQ/cd2%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="cd2" width="549" /> The home has its own private bridge, 3 dining rooms (one formal one which can sit 18 people), three living rooms, double master bedrooms, and a library.</div>
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<img alt="cd3" height="366" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w9O8AheAe7k/T7Xsj40AjWI/AAAAAAAAHCU/mGWo7ctK3hw/cd3%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="cd3" width="549" /> This is the wood paneled library for all your reading needs. I wouldn’t mind curling up on that red sofa and snuggling in with some classic fiction like Bronte or Austen. Every room also has a water view brimming with inspiration and there is an elevator which can take you to any of the four floors the mansion has to offer. (Rich people don’t do four flights of stairs.)</div>
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<img alt="cd4" height="366" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I1aYZVi9m7k/T7XsnN6F67I/AAAAAAAAHCc/ARrXoIhPjZI/cd4%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="cd4" width="550" />This is one of the double master bedrooms. All the fabric, sheers and draperies are custom made for the home. Is that bed not incredible? Celine has some brilliant taste I must say.</div>
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<img alt="cd6" height="366" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8iy1lwHbKIc/T7XsqWLisNI/AAAAAAAAHCk/5wQEru7zSaQ/cd6%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="cd6" width="550" /> Celine and Rene plan on buying a smaller home in Quebec once her contract is finished with Cesar’s Palace. I am a HUGE fan of hers so it’s kind of a thrill to think about the idea of living in the home of one of your idols. Too bad I’m not filthy rich, or mildly wealthy, or fairly well-off but it could happen….</div>
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<img alt="cd5" height="366" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3EEMdYPJ5mI/T7Xst43iYsI/AAAAAAAAHCs/T6nwz1RRnHY/cd5%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="cd5" width="550" /> And of course, like all palatial homes this one has its own wine cellar complete with a tasting room. Can you imagine living in a home that has its own room designated to just get loaded in? Talk about posh!</div>
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<img height="460" src="http://www.celinedion.com/sites/cdion/files/DMT_2888_C_CMYK%20%283%29.JPG" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Click to close image, click and drag to move. Use arrow keys for next and previous." width="550" />What do you think of Celine’s French Normandy style home? Too much frills or fabulously exquisite? </div>
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Share your thoughts!</div>
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(<a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303360504577408383276741516.html?mod=WSJ_RealEstate_sections_BuyingAndSelling#project%3DSLIDESHOW08%26s%3DSB10001424052702303360504577410462242376728%26articleTabs%3Darticle">1</a>, <a href="http://www.celinedion.com/photos?page=1">2</a>)</div>recklessblisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09530528269888507923noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504024246918724412.post-841550772761441682012-04-20T00:00:00.000-07:002012-04-20T00:03:22.623-07:00Tea Party Baby Shower<div align="center">
<img alt="IMG_0102" height="367" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CHhyWSloG_A/T5EIbdJLgwI/AAAAAAAAG7M/3S5Zmq0ww_0/IMG_0102%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_0102" width="550" />Happy Friday everyone! Don’t you just love that Friday feeling when you know you have two whole days of relaxing ahead of you? To wrap up my week I’m finally getting around to sharing the “Tea Party” baby shower I hosted a few weeks ago for my (still very pregnant!) BFF. Everything was hand-made and DIY’ed for the special day. You can see the step-by-step <a href="http://recklessbliss.blogspot.ca/2012/03/diy-baby-shower-invitations.html">invites</a>, <a href="http://recklessbliss.blogspot.ca/2012/04/baby-shower-diy-favors.html">favors</a>, <a href="http://recklessbliss.blogspot.ca/2012/04/diy-baby-shower-welcome-sign.html">welcome sign</a>, and <a href="http://recklessbliss.blogspot.ca/2012/04/baby-shower-games-and-cards.html">games and cards</a> I made here. It was so much fun planning it and I think it went great so I’ll just let the pictures I snapped do the talking for me. Enjoy!</div>
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<img alt="IMG_0107" height="367" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yaDvr5_KLno/T5EIod374AI/AAAAAAAAG9k/cuS1vPiopa8/IMG_01074.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_0107" width="550" /> <img alt="photo" height="412" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-B5N2Rcg4vCU/T5EIowLmEpI/AAAAAAAAG9s/g2XTXqRQg3o/photo3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="photo" width="550" /> <br />
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<img alt="photo2" height="412" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--XF0llmKYhs/T5EIpHNl5qI/AAAAAAAAG90/io34eoHV3og/photo23.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="photo2" width="550" /> <br />
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<img alt="DSC01941" height="750" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-du3Os2pqzEQ/T5EIp02xoCI/AAAAAAAAG98/YZxPyyMOny8/DSC019415.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC01941" width="500" />So what did you all think? Have you ever hosted or been to a shower that was full of awesome ideas or fun decor? Please feel free to share any stories or ideas you have!</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(All photos property of Reckless Bliss)</span></div>recklessblisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09530528269888507923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504024246918724412.post-17438840348753836762012-04-10T01:11:00.001-07:002012-04-10T01:12:18.746-07:00Baby Shower Games and Cards<div align="center">
Hello my lovelies!</div>
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I’ve been posting up a storm here on Reckless Bliss about a baby shower I recently hosted. This will be the last post before I show you guys the actual shower pictures! Exciting right? I wanted to share the things I made -with the help of Microsoft paint- for games, cards and labels.</div>
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These are the games I cooked up for everyone to play during the shower:<img alt="Baby Games (3)" height="760" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9iR6R2tNoi4/T4Pq-UiQc7I/AAAAAAAAG6M/5eZKPAB1DDg/Baby%252520Games%252520%2525283%252529%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Baby Games (3)" width="500" /></div>
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<img alt="Baby Games (4)" height="769" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Mq69jE_DzAU/T4PrCyTelQI/AAAAAAAAG6U/2TqZhJIlBJs/Baby%252520Games%252520%2525284%252529%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Baby Games (4)" width="500" /> <br />
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<img alt="Baby Games (1)" height="769" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tWpiyKhmxqM/T4PrF8_2OBI/AAAAAAAAG6c/v0Q2xhvw340/Baby%252520Games%252520%2525281%252529%25255B7%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Baby Games (1)" width="500" /> Pretty straightforward games right? (Message me if you want me to post the answers and I will) Everybody said the celebrity baby names game was the hardest one FYI.</div>
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I also made up some cards for everyone to fill out for Mama and the baby to keep forever and reflect back on. The first is an “Advice” card where each person gets an opportunity to dole out all the things they want to tell the new Mommy. Since the shower had a tea party theme I added some pretty teacup pictures I found on Pinterest to the side of the card. The second is a “well wishes” card for the baby, giving everyone a chance to say all the things they hope for the baby’s life to be rich with:<img alt="Baby Games (2)" height="370" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IAvrrdd_Qas/T4PrG5BqjZI/AAAAAAAAG6k/vyEh04T_hEU/Baby%252520Games%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Baby Games (2)" width="550" /> </div>
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<img alt="Baby Games (1)" height="373" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-27s8J2QQAPk/T4PrIBTgt5I/AAAAAAAAG6s/gJyS-pAJ5KE/Baby%252520Games%252520%2525281%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Baby Games (1)" width="550" /> <br />
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Lastly, I made some place cards keeping with the tea party theme to label the food for the guests:<img alt="placecards" height="264" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n-IbCwGFAUU/T4PrJDMz3FI/AAAAAAAAG60/8FN5tnmZGvI/placecards%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="placecards" width="500" /></div>
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<img alt="placecards2" height="263" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6oDpL2RfVZ0/T4PrKXpjSII/AAAAAAAAG68/EZOVsSI8qLw/placecards2%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="placecards2" width="500" /> <br />
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I used Pinterest, Graphics Fairy, and Microsoft Paint to mix all these components together and create shower fun. Stay tuned for my next post where I’ll be sharing these puppies in action along with all the rest of the baby shower decor and food.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(All photo property of Reckless Bliss)</span></div>recklessblisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09530528269888507923noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504024246918724412.post-15225886640533878582012-04-03T19:14:00.001-07:002012-04-03T19:19:09.725-07:00DIY Baby Shower “Welcome Sign”<div align="center">
<img alt="DSC01941" height="750" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YqNbHjNXDdE/T3uuQ918oEI/AAAAAAAAG4Y/P6j45PiI-DQ/DSC01941%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC01941" width="500" /> I’ve been sharing some of the DIY projects I recently worked on for my BFF’s “tea party” baby shower. You’ve seen my <a href="http://recklessbliss.blogspot.ca/2012/03/diy-baby-shower-invitations.html">tea party invitations</a> and <a href="http://recklessbliss.blogspot.ca/2012/04/baby-shower-diy-favors.html">party favors</a> and now I’m going to share with you good folks the welcome sign for the door I made!</div>
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<img alt="DSC00954" height="366" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IL_z4vFatAw/T3uuRRGl1DI/AAAAAAAAG4g/o72Blw6F-qg/DSC00954%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00954" width="549" /> I started out by heading over to Michael’s because what craft project isn’t better served by a trip to Michael’s? I found this great wooden cut out of a teapot for about $5 that was perfect for our <i>tea party</i> theme. Then I just had to figure out how to take it from dull to dazzle.</div>
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<img alt="DSC00958" height="367" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LIdLiR0YWh4/T3uuSC4tRuI/AAAAAAAAG4o/XDLdDGcTDGI/DSC00958%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00958" width="550" /> Cue the fabric paper! This adhesive backed paper was a new discovery for me and I was so excited to have an excuse to try it out. Since the gender was unknown the green worked well and the polka dots are just so darn cute. I scored it on sale for about $2 each.</div>
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<img alt="DSC00960" height="366" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iU8vJzCrUko/T3uuSoqWdbI/AAAAAAAAG4w/jSydAAoymrs/DSC00960%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00960" width="549" /> I was so excited to get started on this project. To attach the adhesive paper to the wooden teapot I peeled off the backing and laid the teapot face down onto the sticky side. I considered just tracing the shape onto the back of the paper with the peel still on then cutting it out but soon realized it would be extremely difficult to center everything perfectly onto the teapot and not have any wood showing.</div>
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<img alt="DSC00964" height="752" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qBlQXXV3ku0/T3uuUFMKPrI/AAAAAAAAG44/aePQWd1iMxE/DSC00964%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00964" width="498" /> Once I had the teapot face down on the paper I stacked some heavy books on top to give the glue a chance to really grab hold of the wood and not peel away. I left it like this for about an hour. (<i>And yes, I do have a mild Audrey Hepburn addiction</i>)</div>
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<img alt="DSC00967" height="366" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HCrkyNlQaXE/T3uuU-Yb1vI/AAAAAAAAG5A/1bV8kUeySc0/DSC00967%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00967" width="550" />After about an hour, I put the paper and teapot on a cutting board face down and used my little Martha cutting tool to cut carefully around the shape of the teapot. Once your are finished it should look like the picture above when you flip it over. </div>
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<img alt="DSC00965" height="367" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wkMmobemVS0/T3uuVRJidsI/AAAAAAAAG5I/kh-iw0SNzEs/DSC00965%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00965" width="550" /> Because it is fabric paper there was a lot of little frays and runaway threads but these are easily taken care of with some sharp scissors. Just carefully follow along the perimeter of the shape cutting off any little imperfections.</div>
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<img alt="DSC00973" height="755" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oV_6hpaegOc/T3uuWQpe-eI/AAAAAAAAG5Q/QRNsoNVGeEg/DSC00973%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00973" width="500" /> For the next step I started to lay out my plans to decorate the sign. I measured exactly how much space I would need in the center of the teapot for my welcome message then hot glued some paper flowers (another Michael’s find) and a ribbon tied into a bow, to pretty up the front.</div>
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<img alt="DSC00975" height="755" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iLz8t8Ul3qc/T3uuXLwalsI/AAAAAAAAG5Y/UxmBUQi19KY/DSC00975%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00975" width="500" /> I hung up the teapot to let the glue dry and everything settle while I worked on the next step.</div>
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<img alt="DSC00985" height="366" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KHaQzNthkXw/T3uuXmFio1I/AAAAAAAAG5g/WLzKYzrR4f0/DSC00985%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00985" width="549" /> I decided on a bunting style banner to run across the teapot. I used my Martha letter stamps to spell out the words “BABY SHOWER” in a pretty purple color to match the bow then I carefully measured each letter into a triangle as well as the backing frame for the letters which is slightly bigger.</div>
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<img alt="DSC00990" height="367" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SXGwnoW3PSg/T3uuYU7jlFI/AAAAAAAAG5o/wAbpHCB6JxM/DSC00990%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00990" width="550" /> A simple glue stick did the work for me to attach each letter to it’s frame and then I was ready to attach it to my teapot.</div>
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<img alt="DSC01000" height="755" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sHMYmEWpkR4/T3uuZlAe1fI/AAAAAAAAG5w/_5HxxT8fjFY/DSC01000%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC01000" width="500" />Before attaching each letter I ran a piece of the purple ribbon across the top and bottom to act as the line the bunting hangs from. I then used more hot glue and attached each letter. Be sure to layout exactly where each letter will be placed beforehand so you can space it properly.</div>
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<img alt="DSC00996" height="755" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zw2gc5Ze-CM/T3uuaLQ2xJI/AAAAAAAAG54/A2l1Aor_g8I/DSC00996%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00996" width="500" />My little wooden teapot was complete!</div>
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Even though I was pleased with the result I still felt like it needed a little something to stand out. So back to Michael’s I went! I found a cute wicker wreath for about $5 that fit the teapot perfectly (thankfully they had more teapots in the store so I could test it out since I didn’t have mine with me) and figured it would frame the teapot splendidly: <img alt="DSC01941" height="750" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YqNbHjNXDdE/T3uuQ918oEI/AAAAAAAAG6A/YN94tOVBsSk/DSC01941%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC01941" width="500" />I wrapped some purple ribbon around the wreath with extra at the top to hang it from and hot glued some white flowers to the sides, all which was done really inexpensively for about $2. I think the wicker wreath and flowers really helped to make the sign stand out for the guests arrival.</div>
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In total, the welcome sign rang in at around $20. It was one of the more labor intensive projects because of all the small details involved but totally worth it since it’s the first thing guest see when they arrive so it’s got to be purdy!</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(All photos property of Reckless Bliss)</span></div>recklessblisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09530528269888507923noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504024246918724412.post-55184724308693126262012-04-01T11:07:00.000-07:002012-04-01T17:42:46.208-07:00DIY Baby Shower Favors<div align="center">
<img align="left" alt="DSC01691" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Czn8XemV0BA/T3j1JLHEpoI/AAAAAAAAG2g/CsjYrsofmNI/DSC01691%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="DSC01691" width="266" /><img alt="DSC01692" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-umUZL-wLCHo/T3j1JZPzH_I/AAAAAAAAG2o/wpRA2AQv0JA/DSC01692%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC01692" width="266" />Well my pretties, yesterday I threw a shower for my enormously pregnant friend and now that she’s seen everything up my sleeve for the special day I can share it here on Reckless Bliss with you good folks -including the card I got her which you can see above. Normally I’d get my craft on and make a homemade card but this one was too fun to pass up. (You can also check out a previous post I did on some <a href="http://recklessbliss.blogspot.ca/2012/03/diy-baby-shower-invitations.html">DIY tea party themed invites here</a>). </div>
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I’m going to be sharing a lot of the various things I made and eventually showing you the actual shower itself but let’s pace ourselves shall we? Today I want to share the French lavender soap favors I made for each guest to take home. It was super simple but turned out quite cute in the end.</div>
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<img alt="DSC00938" height="366" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Jhgv023mHk8/T3j1KMduwUI/AAAAAAAAG2w/hwhrd_rhgas/DSC009382.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00938" width="550" />I started out with some sweet little wicker baskets I found at a soap store for $0.88 each. Sold.</div>
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<img alt="DSC00942" height="366" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g33GCwp6VUo/T3j1Ks9tToI/AAAAAAAAG24/TQEJKNLGC_w/DSC009422.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00942" width="550" />To make it look more like a nesty and cute I filled it with some run of the mill shredded tissue paper you can find at any dollar or craft store.</div>
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<img alt="DSC00941" height="366" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MG3YQX4Lifk/T3j1LJdUlRI/AAAAAAAAG3A/xJhtnXLNdWU/DSC009412.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00941" width="550" /> Each soap bar got wrapped in brown wrapping paper which I also bought from a dollar store.</div>
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<img alt="DSC00943" height="366" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xivYEDFNII4/T3j1LupBr4I/AAAAAAAAG3I/5qM-9sPDGpo/DSC009432.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00943" width="550" /> I attached a clear piece of doubled sided tape in the center of the front of the soap.</div>
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<img alt="DSC00944" height="366" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dDN2LTFOZPw/T3j1MkWcPeI/AAAAAAAAG3Q/i0sO_0sBt0k/DSC009442.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00944" width="550" /> I then wrapped a thin piece of ribbon cut to length around the soap and stuck it to the tape.</div>
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<img alt="DSC00945" height="366" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CKnR54Mycco/T3j1NGhY3rI/AAAAAAAAG3Y/B8sWMRRyiEY/DSC009452.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00945" width="550" /> For the next step I laid another piece of doubled sided tape (amazing invention by the way!)over top of the ribbon on the face of the soap. Be sure that this piece of tape is long enough so it will give a big adhesive surface to hold your label in place.</div>
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<img alt="DSC00812" height="750" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ncn0xGgjgCY/T3j1NrItwYI/AAAAAAAAG3g/2MnFdqhVCh4/DSC008124.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00812" width="500" /> I used Microsoft Paint and created personalized labels for each bar so when people go to use the soap sometime down the line they’ll remember the special day we all shared. Plus, personalized is always just more fun than generic!</div>
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<img alt="DSC00946" height="366" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gxjvke3pAYE/T3j1OMFKS-I/AAAAAAAAG3o/b2mbigC4Ik8/DSC009462.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00946" width="550" />After I cut each label down to size using my handing dandy Martha paper cutter I placed the label on top of the newly taped soap face. </div>
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<img alt="DSC00949" height="366" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WYXqZ9S3Vhw/T3j1Oka7KYI/AAAAAAAAG3w/mFffJAW4rn4/DSC009492.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00949" width="550" />Then each bar gets to relax in the little basket nest.</div>
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<img alt="DSC00951" height="366" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-S8iGIvXxoPo/T3j1PT7s4LI/AAAAAAAAG34/D4LyDnUUl-c/DSC009512.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00951" width="550" /> Don’t they look comfy-cozy altogether?</div>
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<img alt="DSC00952" height="366" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VJxLEWq6-qI/T3j1P13VlFI/AAAAAAAAG4A/D74SrASB3KE/DSC00952%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00952" width="550" /> Once all the goodies are prepared I wrapped them in a piece of clear cellophane (word of the day: <i>dollar store!</i>) and tied them into little bows with more of the ribbon I used to wrap each bar.</div>
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<img alt="DSC00953" height="750" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MFgrEvcCnUw/T3j1Qk6NJEI/AAAAAAAAG4I/o0cjogRuLBQ/DSC00953%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00953" width="500" /> One tip I would suggest is to tape the cellophane in place once you’ve twisted the top so it holds its shape while your tying your bow on, otherwise it can get pretty frustrating.</div>
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<img alt="DSC01002" height="366" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1Jed-1etwek/T3j1RBIn7mI/AAAAAAAAG4Q/hunMPSS41Ts/DSC010022.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC01002" width="550" />I’m a major planner so these beauties were finished for about two months before the actual shower. My home slowly turned into a storage unit for baby shower decor. This is part of the affected area above my T.V. I have to say though, I wasn’t hating how girly and tea party-like my place was becoming.</div>
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So that was my favors, pretty simple stuff. The bulk of time consumption comes from all the wrapping and assembling but it’s way less expensive then buying some pre-made ones online or from a fancy store. I estimate that each favor only cost me about $2.80 after materials cost. It doesn’t include my time to make each one but I was on Netflix the whole time while sniffing heavenly lavender soap so I can’t complain. Check back soon for some more DIY projects!</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(All photos are property of Reckless Bliss)</span></div>recklessblisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09530528269888507923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504024246918724412.post-57384416578151269572012-03-25T17:53:00.002-07:002012-04-01T16:56:05.693-07:00DIY Baby Shower Invitations<div align="center"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="invites" alt="invites" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-T7OdKuV0N2I/T2-96eDF3zI/AAAAAAAAG1A/iI6G74wgYOw/invites%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="550" height="367" /> Happy Sunday everyone, hope you’re all enjoying the last of this pretty Spring weekend. I’ve been spending my time lately, working on throwing a baby show for my best friend who is expecting her first child at the end of April. I’ve never thrown a shower (or even been to one) before but it’s been really fun planning all the details of the day so far. Baby mama decided on a tea party theme. Since she doesn’t know the gender of the baby we figured we may as well just go for something “Lady” oriented. Right away my head was swirling with invite ideas involving the tea party theme. This is what I came up with.</div> <div align="center"> <img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="invite" alt="invite" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pq4ZMipD26E/T2-97Nixs2I/AAAAAAAAG1I/cbqq22ZwoVM/invite%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="550" height="449" /> These invites were actually super simple to make but they can be time consuming. First you need to find a teapot shape you like, I went with the one seen below. (You can always free hand this if you feel confident in your skills) Print the image out on some heavy card stock paper and cut it out carefully. Then you can easily use it to trace out the image onto the paper you’ve chosen for the actual invites. I went with three different colors of paper avoiding “pink” and “blue” as best I could. </div> <div align="center">  <img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="teapot stencil" alt="teapot stencil" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q4IBtedefiI/T2-97hVGNOI/AAAAAAAAG1Q/RrdFs10aYgM/teapot%252520stencil%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="500" height="402" /> After that, it’s pretty endless in how you can decorate it. I decided to stay simple. I used sewing thread and some ivory colored paper to make a tea bag label which read “A Baby Is Brewing!” I then glued the end of the thread to the top of the invite and attached a regular ribbon which I’d previously tied into mini bows. I also decided to glue the tea bag label in place just to keep it from getting torn off while removing the invite from the envelope. In Microsoft Paint I put together the wording for the invite (which was a mix of me googling and coming up with on the spot) and cut a decorative shape around it. </div> <div align="center"> <br /></div> <div align="center">Viola, your invite is complete!:  <img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="invite" alt="invite" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EyFaFq9oGzs/T2-98I_6F7I/AAAAAAAAG1Y/Fqpe-iowpCY/invite%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="550" height="449" /> </div> <div align="center"> <br /></div> <div align="center">While making these invites I wasn’t thinking too far ahead (I was stuck in a crafty DIY euphoria) One problem I encountered after I completed every invite was that these suckers were too big for every standard envelope I could find. I wasn’t willing to compromise the cuteness of the invites by getting an ugly giant manila type envelope so I rolled up my sleeves and went DIY on this task as well. This project was actually way more complicated to complete then the invites themselves.</div> <div align="center">    <img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="paper" alt="paper" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--l99ayrrfbI/T2-98lQYozI/AAAAAAAAG1g/IJrICATY9U4/paper%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="540" /> Each card required two individual pieces of regular 8x11 craft paper to complete which is quite a bit of paper so make sure you have a lot on hand. It’s hard to see in the picture but you need to draw out all the measurements based on the size of your invite onto the paper. This will be the front of the envelope that gets addressed and stamped. Be sure to leave about a 1/2 inch gap where you can fold over the side of the envelope. When you’ve cut out the lines it should look something like this:<img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="envelope" alt="envelope" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XHoY5h0tzMA/T2-99awGEXI/AAAAAAAAG1o/bdlKxBra3xw/envelope%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="563" /> Each side will be folded over and glued. To make the folding process easier, cut out little triangle sections at each corner as seen below:<img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="DSC00911" alt="DSC00911" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QgoOPLuSwP8/T2-994P1pVI/AAAAAAAAG1w/nn7Ceyce1Z8/DSC00911%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="550" height="366" /></div> <div align="center">  </div> <div align="center"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="invites envelope" alt="invites envelope" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--ZraaxOvmPs/T2-9-fenWuI/AAAAAAAAG14/dmvBG4lnGJw/invites%252520envelope%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="550" height="366" />  Once it’s all cut out it’s going to look like this when the invite is place on top. You can see there is a lot of space around every part of teapot which is crucial.</div> <div align="center"> <br /></div> <div align="center"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="invites envelope2" alt="invites envelope2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9BnP9U8xsDg/T2-9-9-6eMI/AAAAAAAAG2A/Slstnnmo4tM/invites%252520envelope2%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="550" height="366" /> Fold each corner over and make sure your invite can still sit comfortably inside the paper.</div> <div align="center">  </div> <div align="center"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="DSC00936" alt="DSC00936" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HyCWENYVwUA/T2-9_rDOEwI/AAAAAAAAG2I/bBJcmYeueTo/DSC00936%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="750" />The next step is much easier. Grab that second piece of paper I told you you were going to need and cut out a rectangle shape piece that covers the three sides but leaves the top open to be folded down and sealed.</div> <div align="center"> <br /></div> <div align="center"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="DSC00932" alt="DSC00932" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9PsMqfLVLpA/T2-9_yoGirI/AAAAAAAAG2Q/whwcB1SbTzQ/DSC00932%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="550" height="366" />Your envelope is complete! I decided to pretty mine up a bit and use some of the ivory paper and ribbon I included on the invite to decorate the envelope. </div> <div align="center"> </div> <div align="center"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="DSC00970" alt="DSC00970" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zD5JXlcYCzU/T3jrFJgr-xI/AAAAAAAAG2Y/sE-UrlRlh88/DSC00970%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="550" height="366" /> </div> <div align="center">However, I did have to then put each envelope in a velum casing just to be safe because sometimes the post off won’t accept mail with protruding ribbons on it like this because it can get caught in their machines (I realized this post hot gluing ribbon to the envelope) So if you want to avoid the headache then find some other way to decorate your envelope.</div> <div align="center">   </div> <div align="center">The baby shower is next week so after that I’ll share a lot more of fun projects I’ve been working on with you guys. Baby mama reads this and I don’t want to spoil too much of what’s coming. Hope this was helpful and if you have any tips, tricks or stories I’m always happy to have them shared here at Reckless Bliss!</div> <div align="center">  </div> <div align="center"> <br /></div> <div align="center"><span style="font-size: xx-small">(All photos property of Reckless Bliss)</span></div> recklessblisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09530528269888507923noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504024246918724412.post-52526428712702330702012-02-23T11:45:00.004-08:002012-02-23T14:30:41.451-08:00“Downton Abbey” Style<div align="center"><img alt="da2" height="608" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bgICCxIA_9g/T0a2O8-JrCI/AAAAAAAAGn4/XsVUwLxTGy0/da2_thumb%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="da2" width="550" />I have recently discovered the decadent PBS series Downton Abbey. The show is rich with storylines revolving around the Grantham clan and the numerous other people in their lives, but that’s only half the reason to watch. The Edwardian era of style is back in full swing with the interior design, architecture, and fashions. Every scene is filled with breathtaking views whether inside the castle or on the grounds. The show is filmed in Hampshire at Highclere Castle, which sits upon 1,000 acres. However, the kitchen and quarters to the servants are filmed in London on a soundstage due to the fact that the Highclere has since updated those rooms. Below are some shots of the grandeur style of the Castle and the elegant fashions of Downton’s early 20th century.</div><div align="center"> <img alt="image" height="413" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Zgskh4pxl-E/T0a2ZRAuQgI/AAAAAAAAGoI/vnAJOesrqg8/image_thumb%25255B35%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="550" /> Highclere Castle was built by architect Sir Charles Barry in 1842. Barry also built the House of Parliament (aka. Palace of Westminster).</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><img alt="image" height="367" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LNmvky7CpQE/T0a2ftV4-TI/AAAAAAAAGoY/t9mU0Ap99hw/image_thumb%25255B16%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="550" /> <br />
<img alt="da3" height="531" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sOfyXtFK7TI/T0a6z3dhS4I/AAAAAAAAGtY/JfZgHhmC8r8/da3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="da3" width="500" /><br />
<img alt="da2" height="407" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PjEOclcoghc/T0a2lqK1hJI/AAAAAAAAGoo/73ZRCLxSW6A/da2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="da2" width="550" /> <br />
<img alt="image" height="366" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--FZRftbhzpk/T0a2t6OVXoI/AAAAAAAAGo4/718L6etKdXY/image_thumb%25255B17%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="550" /> <br />
<img alt="da1" height="675" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8XwyAm-20y8/T0a61Tcq_uI/AAAAAAAAGto/HktwCZJyWt4/da1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="da1" width="450" /> <br />
<img alt="image" height="309" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1LMWdlEAYNc/T0a21bTg0zI/AAAAAAAAGpI/vFWbxkyi8Pc/image_thumb%25255B19%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="550" /> <br />
<img alt="image" height="344" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1bfnvcSUaYU/T0a28ooMxXI/AAAAAAAAGpY/ADjtvF1K4eg/image_thumb%25255B20%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="550" /> <br />
<img alt="image" height="382" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Cf1vW6pGZm0/T0a3VnIh5gI/AAAAAAAAGpo/FI4klT0nFtU/image_thumb%25255B21%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="550" /> <br />
<img alt="image" height="366" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7amXnxg9VOQ/T0a3d0Y20jI/AAAAAAAAGp4/dz23OlrtvEk/image_thumb%25255B22%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="550" /> <br />
<img alt="da5" height="366" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FqZ-D7VS1qw/T0a64Mgf70I/AAAAAAAAGt4/cacK0K6Bf4U/da5_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="da5" width="550" /> <br />
<img alt="da" height="344" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zm7o1BiepdY/T0a3kgUUG0I/AAAAAAAAGqI/oI5phqfnLGU/da_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="da" width="550" /> <br />
<img alt="image" height="365" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--h9e1rL_HwM/T0a3vkwKnoI/AAAAAAAAGqY/HyHX0D0QHIo/image_thumb%25255B24%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="550" /> <br />
<img alt="image" height="675" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nM-taJQtGMU/T0a4F6DELnI/AAAAAAAAGqo/-5qQUfigB_E/image_thumb%25255B23%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="450" /> <br />
<img alt="image" height="388" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eAek-ALcuZ8/T0a4cK-A9jI/AAAAAAAAGq4/sfXw4s8SRh8/image_thumb%25255B25%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="550" /> <br />
<img alt="da6" height="675" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-av7o8RxtliM/T0a65301AeI/AAAAAAAAGuI/XcoIDMU4y1M/da6_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="da6" width="450" /> <br />
<img alt="da" height="366" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SHWMl78w2RQ/T0a4iv5MMkI/AAAAAAAAGrI/EPsrTa899fY/da_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="da" width="550" /> <br />
<img alt="image" height="366" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PF2BbF7heEg/T0a4vHHZ5UI/AAAAAAAAGrY/_pV1Acv_1ek/image_thumb%25255B26%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="550" /> <br />
<img alt="da4" height="368" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n4h6rwxuWKY/T0a41Xd7dCI/AAAAAAAAGrk/zLlb6iytTcg/da4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="da4" width="550" /> <br />
<img alt="image" height="366" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BiNfofSPsLA/T0a49W6lRrI/AAAAAAAAGr4/DLCxDj1th_Q/image_thumb%25255B27%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="550" /> <br />
<img alt="da3" height="366" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9IbZ5SV0AHY/T0a5FNL2TCI/AAAAAAAAGsI/dLX4-Wc2ZSk/da3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="da3" width="550" /> <br />
<img alt="image" height="366" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VCiq5q4ty38/T0a5OVIA4PI/AAAAAAAAGsY/Se8cLvfAo_Q/image_thumb%25255B28%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="550" /> <br />
<img alt="da5" height="366" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KIOMJQBGW6E/T0a5ULq_f_I/AAAAAAAAGso/EydO5uE_gZE/da5_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="da5" width="550" /> <br />
<img alt="image" height="366" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r358jfvbj50/T0a5bJUYPxI/AAAAAAAAGs4/dAPquPv1jmM/image_thumb%25255B29%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="550" /> <br />
<div align="center"><img alt="image" height="369" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sRkteBSCovc/T0a5lHw0sWI/AAAAAAAAGtI/VpYd8qN0a4M/image_thumb%25255B8%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="550" /> </div><div align="center">What are your thoughts on the luxurious style? Too much or too fabulous? Do you watch the show or have at least heard about it? </div><div align="center">I highly recommend it!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Photos are courtesy of Google Images, PBS.org and Imdb.com)</span></div>recklessblisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09530528269888507923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504024246918724412.post-77666087764962579852012-02-15T03:08:00.000-08:002012-02-15T12:32:27.559-08:00Designer Props: Muse Interiors<div align="center"><img alt="image" height="684" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iGX5mnVuZRU/Tzv-pIJB_pI/AAAAAAAAGkQ/DtUY4P13LxA/image_thumb%25255B17%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="450" /> Hope you all had a good Valentine’s day and were cuddled by someone whether it was your spouse or your fur babies. I recently came across this amazing design company based in Greenwich, Connecticut by the name of <a href="http://www.museinteriors.net/">Muse Interiors</a>. I’d like to share some of my favorite designs from their <a href="http://www.museinteriors.net/portfolio/">portfolio</a>. Enjoy!</div><div align="center"> <img alt="image" height="675" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PCOJZl1OjsU/Tzv-tXtqVuI/AAAAAAAAGkY/szLxqh7vjCA/image_thumb%25255B10%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="450" /></div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Aki3qE_ICO8/Tzv-1g172QI/AAAAAAAAGkg/X1yvvfqyEq8/s1600-h/image%25255B40%25255D.png"> <img alt="image" height="351" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9s5YiVYfh7Q/Tzv-5LPLiQI/AAAAAAAAGko/XW88Ar4db_0/image_thumb%25255B20%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="550" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hwN3c8xjVOA/Tzv_DP5zSjI/AAAAAAAAGkw/Yzeal_5mZSg/s1600-h/image%25255B41%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="571" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yBFK4En7LFs/Tzv_HKBwLxI/AAAAAAAAGk4/eSxgs7oceRo/image_thumb%25255B21%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="550" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DBy83wtUb0M/Tzv_PKlMD6I/AAAAAAAAGlA/d2cHlCrb8Uc/s1600-h/image%25255B33%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="675" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IDTkG2T2-Bw/Tzv_TwrwzdI/AAAAAAAAGlI/C8mKGxBvoVs/image_thumb%25255B13%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="450" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HgA0rf_QoBo/Tzv_bmAd0cI/AAAAAAAAGlQ/0tu4NnBDG8A/s1600-h/image%25255B42%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="461" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-x-foYG6Gezs/Tzv_ffnBIPI/AAAAAAAAGlY/DmlmptWVUWU/image_thumb%25255B22%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="550" /></a></div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vfFSh17rBXc/Tzv_my-UNRI/AAAAAAAAGlg/3mlhna2t08k/s1600-h/image%25255B56%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="387" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oZA_cM3fLJs/Tzv_qFLV0bI/AAAAAAAAGlo/L4CyJOsUVtI/image_thumb%25255B30%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="550" /></a></div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tCHIQm5rTy8/Tzv_xUKRHJI/AAAAAAAAGlw/fJvpU-hwt4s/s1600-h/image%25255B48%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="621" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-U563e4NWyoA/Tzv_2HYicrI/AAAAAAAAGl4/K8V8dWnGotc/image_thumb%25255B26%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="450" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-w0UHe4HP6Vc/Tzv__tlN4ZI/AAAAAAAAGmA/Bsrb8NcyEEc/s1600-h/image%25255B35%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="541" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A1YiDXhaPcY/TzwADWfGWvI/AAAAAAAAGmI/YEOJPls-yfY/image_thumb%25255B15%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kyL7D9T6aYQ/TzwAK1VXhDI/AAAAAAAAGmQ/kU3zFxiQG8c/s1600-h/image%25255B36%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="675" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-72zi8uK45Gc/TzwAPFm5nNI/AAAAAAAAGmY/Qs9ZBLQEXj4/image_thumb%25255B16%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="450" /></a></div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vstzMwXVMjM/TzwAXanjTRI/AAAAAAAAGmg/q4OOuEOfyKg/s1600-h/image%25255B52%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="366" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gh0wJ5jGLR8/TzwAbMK1siI/AAAAAAAAGmo/uqb5vry3dr0/image_thumb%25255B28%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="550" /></a></div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-65ueFPrmT_s/TzwAjyOg48I/AAAAAAAAGmw/hKqfaoaVqTo/s1600-h/image%25255B38%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="675" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N2VrleTQ0_M/TzwAo1R-hcI/AAAAAAAAGm4/WVpdVuFVXLQ/image_thumb%25255B18%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="450" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u-7eYlFvNRY/TzwAyHiotKI/AAAAAAAAGnA/QxtlEGiJRkY/s1600-h/image%25255B44%25255D.png"> <img alt="image" height="364" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-i4iW2BW3rFI/TzwA1ZHoONI/AAAAAAAAGnI/AaVBuksmrXU/image_thumb%25255B24%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="550" /></a> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hCnnPv2WRRA/TzwA-Skno4I/AAAAAAAAGnQ/78EYAEj2768/s1600-h/image%25255B60%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="568" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-liu3Kj62g24/TzwBCR2zu2I/AAAAAAAAGnY/fJvtG2SLJ9Q/image_thumb%25255B32%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="450" /></a> </div><div align="center">All photos are credit of the highly talented designers at <a href="http://www.museinteriors.net/">Muse Interiors</a>. See more of their work <a href="http://www.museinteriors.net/">here</a>.</div>recklessblisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09530528269888507923noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504024246918724412.post-77028038365851329902012-01-29T17:27:00.001-08:002012-01-29T17:31:58.688-08:00Color Injections<div align="center"><img alt="image" height="600" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8jz0wCrQSOw/TyXwU1mUSeI/AAAAAAAAGaQ/DFasdc9pnm8/image_thumb%25255B18%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="400" /> <img alt="image" height="541" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PEyEUbhJs5I/TyXwdv-ZFII/AAAAAAAAGag/g0WO9qXcy3Q/image_thumb%25255B35%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /> <img alt="image" height="652" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZCu4ufAWOao/TyXwkjNt6YI/AAAAAAAAGaw/FsbCGYDtZeM/image_thumb%25255B36%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /> <img alt="image" height="341" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--nNgYfX-RYA/TyXwo_ieUBI/AAAAAAAAGbA/9peuv4aSKwE/image_thumb%25255B21%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /> <img alt="image" height="733" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rSqpVF9XZns/TyXwyVdgl2I/AAAAAAAAGbQ/DmffjXOxS1E/image_thumb%25255B37%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="550" /> <img alt="image" height="500" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WPk5F3L-J7o/TyXw5KsIaGI/AAAAAAAAGbg/zViO5-qhVPw/image_thumb%25255B23%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /> <img alt="image" height="716" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CWE21iCkUSw/TyXw_5i8kZI/AAAAAAAAGbw/PMKyJpYWZag/image_thumb%25255B38%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="553" /> <img alt="image" height="640" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HRv3ndv3bB0/TyXxIBYlTZI/AAAAAAAAGcA/2bovy_nH-mY/image_thumb%25255B39%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="427" /> <img alt="image" height="776" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-M0pH__Mgsfo/TyXxUFaoD0I/AAAAAAAAGcQ/Hams0Q_YHPg/image_thumb%25255B40%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="553" /> <img alt="image" height="550" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Fd0ma54jl0U/TyXxbh_JeMI/AAAAAAAAGcg/tmWPsIXq-_E/image_thumb%25255B41%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="550" /> <img alt="image" height="369" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W6lIIjm2MvQ/TyXxgUJcqUI/AAAAAAAAGcw/NRVupgze3g0/image_thumb%25255B42%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="554" /></div><div align="center"> <img alt="image" height="666" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G-lQkT5s1A0/TyXxm0bXwCI/AAAAAAAAGdA/pzEDzL95XYU/image_thumb%25255B43%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /> <img alt="image" height="511" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JptFwM-2JyI/TyXxseJ9uvI/AAAAAAAAGdQ/1pyZrixfxLo/image_thumb%25255B31%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="400" /> <img alt="image" height="505" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NB3KeBEI7lo/TyXxxu7MJiI/AAAAAAAAGdg/PHL0XO_8PJA/image_thumb%25255B32%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="400" /> </div><div align="center"><img alt="image" height="599" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jTLawzt8tSM/TyXx2s3vMEI/AAAAAAAAGdw/qw24H1q4a0o/image_thumb%25255B33%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="400" /> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img alt="image" height="431" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Eztr9T68FW8/TyXx7d1qTeI/AAAAAAAAGeA/djXYchAaVg8/image_thumb%25255B17%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="350" /> </div><div align="center"><span style="color: #0080c0; font-family: Edwardian Script ITC; font-size: x-large;">Be Brave! </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #0080c0; font-family: Edwardian Script ITC;"> </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #0080c0; font-family: Andalus; font-size: xx-small;">(Photo credit Pinterest)</span></div>recklessblisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09530528269888507923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504024246918724412.post-81382583762722430692011-11-08T19:06:00.001-08:002011-11-08T19:07:50.969-08:00DIY Wall Art<div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FDmczOCPPgg/TrnroBdmGKI/AAAAAAAAF1E/EVAmdecBIyQ/s1600-h/DSC003734.jpg"><img alt="DSC00373" height="676" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aUFOQgqpkMQ/TrnrrxKD0hI/AAAAAAAAF1M/SUc-FjW_OZA/DSC00373_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00373" width="450" /></a>Happy Tuesday everyone, I hope you are all having a beautiful Autumn filled day. Today I wanted to share a little DIY project that’s been in the works for awhile now ‘round these parts. I have no problems starting fun projects but I’m really bad on that pesky <i>following through</i> part that’s so pivotal to the reveal of said project. Alas, this DIY was finally completed and I’m quite pleased with the outcome.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qzvIAcjGfog/TrnrxAJnUbI/AAAAAAAAF1U/W1-SPhXlNe4/s1600-h/DSC003764.jpg"><img alt="DSC00376" height="366" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BJHn8lrEpvE/Trnrx-8f3iI/AAAAAAAAF1c/z0IMTP16js8/DSC00376_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00376" width="550" /></a> I was struggling to find the right piece for above my couch after months of looking and buying things only to return them later. I wasn’t satisfied with anything I found and was getting really sick of my plain empty wall so I decided to give up searching, roll up my sleeves and just make what I wanted. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bxSLWtFv3uE/Trnr1DAgsXI/AAAAAAAAF1k/scPiliBpNsU/s1600-h/DSC003773.jpg"><img alt="DSC00377" height="677" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AiE49HLNiN8/Trnr2EcTNZI/AAAAAAAAF1s/pneViq7Qh_E/DSC00377_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00377" width="450" /></a> To create this for your home it’s a few steps but they are so easy it’s well worth it. I did this entire project on the cheap too; in total it cost me about $40 start to finish. Here’s how it came together:</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8kDshkkdIVE/Trnr6YjA2WI/AAAAAAAAF10/i_SoJ7qvzgs/s1600-h/DSC099613.jpg"><img alt="DSC09961" height="677" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6Oy5u2XVvdE/Trnr7Q4VTKI/AAAAAAAAF18/XQCzXwB3Lio/DSC09961_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09961" width="450" /></a> First thing I needed was supplies of course. We bought an MDF board from the local lumber store for $10.</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jg7a9IBG86U/TrnsBWmAd_I/AAAAAAAAF2E/jEUPCv6atZk/s1600-h/DSC099643.jpg"><img alt="DSC09964" height="677" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PmdKIfMshv0/TrnsB8EFv7I/AAAAAAAAF2M/JgaRXjZ5MkI/DSC09964_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09964" width="450" /></a>We bought a rubber mat commonly used on the outside of your door for $10.</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D-1-oOHghIY/TrnsHCqY_ZI/AAAAAAAAF2U/XTNFTKGrADc/s1600-h/DSC099653.jpg"><img alt="DSC09965" height="677" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g6V_YDnOYRE/TrnsIvDGw8I/AAAAAAAAF2c/94LcJWWhKZM/DSC09965_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09965" width="450" /></a>And we bought some spray in the colors we wanted to do our stencilled artwork in. We went with a chocolate brown and bright white but any color combo would work if you wanted to customize it to your home’s color palette.</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vcnaF2VQ3l0/TrnsNpkgyVI/AAAAAAAAF2k/Of2XNn2AySY/s1600-h/DSC099533.jpg"> <img alt="DSC09953" height="366" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4ir1nr6hB1Q/TrnsPa3n7LI/AAAAAAAAF2s/__YKabf2GOw/DSC09953_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09953" width="550" /></a> After we measured out three boards to the size of the rubber mat we gave each one two coats of the brown spray paint as the base color.</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-shhLbPbKkz8/TrnsVka7ktI/AAAAAAAAF20/B7rcXCo0xBk/s1600-h/DSC099593.jpg"><img alt="DSC09959" height="366" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VuZCZ2IeNzE/TrnsV0t-UKI/AAAAAAAAF28/2I4zl_FgGOc/DSC09959_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09959" width="550" /></a>It takes about 20 minutes for the spray paint to fully dry (or at least ours did, check your bottles at home) I suggest propping them up on scrap pieces of wood so the wet sides never come into contact with anything. Any time you see a piece of MDF laying flat we have it propped up to avoid mucking up the sides.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6CUmIRt4xzw/TrnsaJAtR4I/AAAAAAAAF3E/MUx1UThcwFA/s1600-h/DSC099793.jpg"><img alt="DSC09979" height="366" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n1DWUbewP6s/TrnsanAyiMI/AAAAAAAAF3M/2ZXLMbRWKgU/DSC09979_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09979" width="550" /></a>When it’s all dry it should look like this. Not very exciting, just your average piece of brown MDF.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1RBr-MX33ww/TrnsgZHsSXI/AAAAAAAAF3U/HPsdPc1Xa-k/s1600-h/DSC099803.jpg"><img alt="DSC09980" height="366" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3RVWxzG2v5g/TrnshQTSKeI/AAAAAAAAF3c/nrCn8tjklsg/DSC09980_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09980" width="550" /></a>We used our trash can layered with newspapers as the pedestal for spray painting the pattern which worked like a charm. The sides will need to be taped off to avoid being sprayed with the white paint.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-m7ea7r6Uu90/TrnslKBhiwI/AAAAAAAAF3k/xMW1bqoOXlc/s1600-h/DSC099823.jpg"><img alt="DSC09982" height="366" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qWngoYU8nws/Trnslh2ZYTI/AAAAAAAAF3s/EjMbAnpOxFk/DSC09982_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09982" width="550" /></a>Take care to not put the tape too far onto the MDF so it won’t interfere with the stencil.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vTL-LeBqDYk/TrnsqP2DNwI/AAAAAAAAF30/gZxiDjXI3ZQ/s1600-h/DSC099853.jpg"><img alt="DSC09985" height="366" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sE09MELFQko/TrnsqzKlg2I/AAAAAAAAF38/jwrL_vDSn50/DSC09985_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09985" width="550" /></a>Lay your mat flat and evenly on your MDF. The mat will stay put because it’s pretty hefty and meant to be non-slip so it does the work for you.</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C7pJd1HPOiA/Trnsvf-GuoI/AAAAAAAAF4E/KTJZWNARrGM/s1600-h/DSC099953.jpg"><img alt="DSC09995" height="366" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LTAAYu2smr0/Trnsvqzc3CI/AAAAAAAAF4M/BfftJNYWJqI/DSC09995_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09995" width="550" /></a>Spray an even layer of white paint on top of the mat and let it dry. Then repeat the process. </div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-A2zaIFtRGKk/Trns0mfj2xI/AAAAAAAAF4U/efA2sgo9Ti4/s1600-h/DSC000023.jpg"> <img alt="DSC00002" height="366" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xaP5cOK1kpk/Trns0-Te3AI/AAAAAAAAF4c/w8ZwSScWY3Y/DSC00002_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00002" width="550" /></a>Take extra special care to get into all the teeny crevices and holes with the white paint to be sure they show up when the mat is lifted.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZOY7fDim-Ng/Trns3ypjMkI/AAAAAAAAF4k/Q5bfzyMvMd0/s1600-h/DSC099963.jpg"><img alt="DSC09996" height="366" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QlHDsGuFKqo/Trns4ndz88I/AAAAAAAAF4s/fIcwQO9PqP8/DSC09996_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09996" width="550" /></a> Let all the white paint dry completely before you touch the mat because if you need to add some of smudge it then you’re in trouble. These types of things never go back in the exact spots they started from.</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2j40h9OR05w/Trns8BH6RII/AAAAAAAAF40/VTzQ9mJOB8E/s1600-h/DSC000074.jpg"> <img alt="DSC00007" height="677" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3I8Wq8U8syE/Trns8kfEpAI/AAAAAAAAF48/_Y6AlKRxrIU/DSC00007_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00007" width="450" /></a>The funnest part is the reveal! Peel the mat back slowly and put on your wow face.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cc79xm7pnLU/TrntAMvN2GI/AAAAAAAAF5E/CX3vmLxy0WM/s1600-h/DSC000103.jpg"><img alt="DSC00010" height="366" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fxmaO91lAcM/TrntA25JyQI/AAAAAAAAF5M/qd3utbP1fj4/DSC00010_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00010" width="550" /></a>Oh-la-la!</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xNQ7KOmMEww/TrntE-OVxSI/AAAAAAAAF5U/n35ZwxrjNWA/s1600-h/DSC000333.jpg"><img alt="DSC00033" height="366" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0l5GY1fZW3w/TrntFaFOPNI/AAAAAAAAF5c/gRUAUy0FKIk/DSC00033_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00033" width="550" /></a>Repeat these steps as many times as you like depending on the number of pieces of artwork you want. We went with three but it can be done hundreds of times if you like….. and have the wall space.</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8bBs5CzWiZI/TrntILccDDI/AAAAAAAAF5k/qmZon8GlX28/s1600-h/DSC002593.jpg"><img alt="DSC00259" height="366" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uZuyeJ7JUxI/TrntIp8PjwI/AAAAAAAAF5s/ssyShS-Ksyk/DSC00259_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00259" width="550" /></a>You can leave it as is and have a really defined stencil look. We went the other way and sanded the pieces to have a rustic weathered look. This also really helps to blur the little imperfections bound to happen. </div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DAm8DiZkAp0/TrntM9bQPUI/AAAAAAAAF50/hkBHrhma4W0/s1600-h/DSC002613.jpg"><img alt="DSC00261" height="366" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xpt22oYr49E/TrntNRHKiwI/AAAAAAAAF58/G8FkblxafuY/DSC00261_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00261" width="550" /></a>Here’s a closer look at what sanding it down looks. Be careful not to overdo it or you will start to lose the pattern which sort of defeats the whole purpose.</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RqfPmCpOLGo/TrntRS4TSiI/AAAAAAAAF6E/FUafl1129Vw/s1600-h/DSC002633.jpg"><img alt="DSC00263" height="366" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-12EhHI3zBI4/TrntR_Mw-3I/AAAAAAAAF6M/fzF3TJUTRT0/DSC00263_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00263" width="550" /></a>This is a shot of the completed MDF post sanding.</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bRGylc_zcTY/TrntVlCQm2I/AAAAAAAAF6U/ZRig-YePaHU/s1600-h/DSC002693.jpg"><img alt="DSC00269" height="677" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EWz0msLB4gU/TrntWA5PwUI/AAAAAAAAF6c/CzZaEBg2kY0/DSC00269_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00269" width="450" /></a>To seal the paint and give the boards a more finished look we topped them off a coat of clear finish Varathane in satin. </div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XN6_HKrXxVE/TrntZfrB7XI/AAAAAAAAF6k/A-bC-57PFv8/s1600-h/DSC002703.jpg"><img alt="DSC00270" height="366" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j6AJQcKsc0U/TrntZyGewEI/AAAAAAAAF6s/TP7ZDaknKis/DSC00270_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00270" width="550" /></a>Doing this makes the boards look a bit more professional and it will also make them much easier to clean.</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-caZaoaeC9wM/Trntltmx2XI/AAAAAAAAF60/zWTcul_lt9o/s1600-h/DSC002893.jpg"> <img alt="DSC00289" height="677" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0nv0srSj0FU/TrntmMoudaI/AAAAAAAAF68/D_C_JEiXRFI/DSC00289_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00289" width="450" /></a>Now for the hanging process. Since this was just a piece of MDF we had to come up with our own way to hang the boards. We went with some scrap pieces of wood to give the boards some definition from the wall. The biggest piece got a hole cut into it for the little teeth hanger to go across. To attach the the pieces of wood we used wood glue and screws.</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rdMysvqls_Y/TrntquyIP5I/AAAAAAAAF7E/niVMH7vU0AA/s1600-h/DSC002793.jpg"><img alt="DSC00279" height="677" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jAVQB3Y-a20/TrntrP1uW4I/AAAAAAAAF7M/eyFv6OBD2VQ/DSC00279_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00279" width="450" /></a>Here’s a close up of the pieces of wood we used. The little guy is for the bottom of the boards so it hangs evenly from the wall.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5GMwnHuIeAQ/Trntw9U_dZI/AAAAAAAAF7U/L2Q0LaJjOYc/s1600-h/DSC002773.jpg"><img alt="DSC00277" height="366" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fN86T4ivu64/TrntxnWoCcI/AAAAAAAAF7c/awURdFnsneQ/DSC00277_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00277" width="550" /></a>Pretty straight forward stuff once you’ve got your pieces cut. We attach the teeth hanger and added some cushioned wall protectors so it would sit softly against the wall.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UfXk2Hvebk0/Trnt2-tRHRI/AAAAAAAAF7k/BIwg8JhITRo/s1600-h/DSC002783.jpg"><img alt="DSC00278" height="366" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XEVXrEaoanY/Trnt3btDYiI/AAAAAAAAF7s/Rdc5_L455fk/DSC00278_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00278" width="550" /></a>The little pieces were screwed in and also got the cushion treatment</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w04zbtU16qI/Trnt8ozcg_I/AAAAAAAAF70/IHPchlmUZ9w/s1600-h/DSC002743.jpg"><img alt="DSC00274" height="677" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--ytI4q48Ysw/Trnt9RY1k8I/AAAAAAAAF78/r7yvD_YaQNA/DSC00274_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00274" width="450" /></a>This is how the finished board looks with all the attachments.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ntBH42pFrMU/TrnuCfKzvDI/AAAAAAAAF8E/SaEeJ4459ts/s1600-h/DSC003693.jpg"><img alt="DSC00369" height="366" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-p7gdt4noXGo/TrnuCga00FI/AAAAAAAAF8M/f9v1UWCX54Q/DSC00369_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00369" width="550" /></a> And now for the best part, which is sitting back and enjoying the fruits of your labor!</div><br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-77rc_HV6g-M/TrnuGh3dNuI/AAAAAAAAF8U/_eOEb10x1SM/s1600-h/DSC003783.jpg"><img alt="DSC00378" height="677" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r1xO6WSR-pg/TrnuHEBFahI/AAAAAAAAF8c/ylIrVhVmduY/DSC00378_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00378" width="450" /></a>You can get a sense of the definition from the wall that we attempted by using the small wooden pieces here which went well with our raised trim work below.</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3eHEMf08oJI/TrnuKvXZxXI/AAAAAAAAF8k/6UenVGXOFM8/s1600-h/DSC003833.jpg"><img alt="DSC00383" height="677" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xWydhfx0A-Q/TrnuLNFD0jI/AAAAAAAAF8s/6hQdlUFe0JY/DSC00383_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00383" width="450" /></a> And there you have it my pretties. I hope you found this tutorial entertaining and useful. Please feel free to share your thoughts or DIY ideas you’ve used in your home too!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">-Toodles!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Photo credits property of Reckless Bliss</span></div>recklessblisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09530528269888507923noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504024246918724412.post-39551580070165791782011-11-01T04:12:00.001-07:002011-11-01T04:21:58.111-07:00Decorating For Our First Halloween<div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Zr2QYeogP2M/Tq_TgytI7QI/AAAAAAAAFwU/89gVWqWa5lY/s1600-h/DSC00170%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00170" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cC-HpPndg00/Tq_ThL6jyLI/AAAAAAAAFwc/0K7EuLr1RTc/DSC00170_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00170" width="600" /></a>Well, Halloween ‘11 is over and it’s time to start moving on to the next holiday but before that happens, I wanted to share with you our first Halloween as home owners! We’ve only ever lived in apartments and basement suites so there’s never been a point to decorating but it’s always been something that I wished I could partake in so this year I was pleased as punch that I could finally scratch my <i>spooky decor-itch</i>. </div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3SP-b4ykF6o/Tq_Ti_axjmI/AAAAAAAAFwk/52adHQeXQYU/s1600-h/DSC00223%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00223" height="399" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Bph2oPRyW2s/Tq_TjOMl7-I/AAAAAAAAFws/zim9JibtD-c/DSC00223_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00223" width="600" /></a>Budgets are always fairly tight around here but it’s amazing what sort of deals you can find if you look at the right places and times. My greatest tip to share is go out to the stores on Oct. 30th and you’re more than likely to find all the ghoulish decorations at least 50% off in a last ditch effort to clean house. Also, never under-estimate the value of a dollar store. It’s amazing how neat some of the stuff can be from those stores and you would never know where it came from. My feline friend shown above was purchased from such a store. We also strung some ghost shaped lights at the bottom to illuminate the scene.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-T5dhJFhCYJU/Tq_TlmqLoyI/AAAAAAAAFw0/i9pU0NjhzaA/s1600-h/DSC00192%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00192" height="677" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-60cMcCzvKkY/Tq_Tp6-i9jI/AAAAAAAAFw8/CpIw6KRTfWU/DSC00192_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00192" width="450" /></a> This shot is a little blurry due to shivering hands and leaning backwards on a railing but you get the idea. Some classic ‘Beware’ tape and a skull door knocker were dawned on our front door. That knocker is deafeningly loud, it’s basically an instant headache; luckily only one trick-or-treater even bothered to use it rather than just knocking. Is it just me or does there seem to be a huge decline in the number of kids trick-or-treating nowadays compared to the nineties? I remember the streets filled with other kids when I was a youngster but we only got about 20 kids/teens total. Don’t kids like candy anymore?!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2ErztaAwlKs/Tq_TsCmyuyI/AAAAAAAAFxE/QzV_SJKvmso/s1600-h/DSC00194%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00194" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yZUw_2lzkhw/Tq_TsQ1scmI/AAAAAAAAFxI/cyJFNaTpSm0/DSC00194_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00194" width="600" /></a>Our front basket got filled with some green webbing and baby pumpkins to give it a miniature haunted pumpkin patch look.</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AmQjwoF_1yg/Tq_TuViD6OI/AAAAAAAAFxU/W2ncJU6uw04/s1600-h/DSC00206%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00206" height="677" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HiyI_27J5bw/Tq_Tuk7MWDI/AAAAAAAAFxc/66hjwjM7bgY/DSC00206_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00206" width="450" /></a> These creepy buggers look too real for my liking.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><img alt="DSC00178" height="399" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MNnD43xBuVQ/Tq_TuwkLIlI/AAAAAAAAFxk/wH2HRfY0mKM/DSC00178_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00178" width="600" />Once the strand of pumpkin lights going up the railing were lit this is how the <i>haunted</i> basket looked. Baby pumpkins are so dang cute!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--n61ibbWV-8/Tq_TxMYrmDI/AAAAAAAAFxs/4dVv9iPuAvg/s1600-h/DSC00209%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00209" height="677" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7HxfTKmaXts/Tq_TxaW8gfI/AAAAAAAAFx0/XLHSP8kRPLE/DSC00209_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00209" width="450" /></a> I also had some fake rats hanging out and keeping an eye on things for me while I kept warm inside.</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-INPxFYGx_MI/Tq_TzcaJlPI/AAAAAAAAFx8/jW7-dD_I05M/s1600-h/DSC00177%25255B3%25255D.jpg"> <img alt="DSC00177" height="399" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kKoJR4_E8uA/Tq_T0Pq56lI/AAAAAAAAFyE/LK31Q9KeG3g/DSC00177_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00177" width="600" /></a> The strand of pumpkin lights really helped with the lighting because were trying to keep it dark enough to feel spooky but light enough to avoid lawsuits from injured kids parents. In the background here you can see our row of milk jug "jack-o-lanterns." I read about this little DIY project and it seemed like such a good alternative to buying a delicious pumpkin then having to toss it out afterward. Anytime I have to throw away food it makes me think of the old, <i>“people are starving in Africa!”</i> line you got when you didn’t eat your broccoli. Plus, it felt really earth friendly and better yet…FREE! My favorite. Keep reading for instructions on how I made these super simple DIY milk jug pumpkins.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-M9aWjWZAARA/Tq_T2UdO6yI/AAAAAAAAFyM/weqYBJZq_cY/s1600-h/DSC00180%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00180" height="677" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0Sk-kll1Vc4/Tq_T2wDEqpI/AAAAAAAAFyU/pi-fjsBps6c/DSC00180_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00180" width="450" /></a> This pumpkin however, is not made from a milk carton but he is still fake. It’s made of some sort of fiber glass material and with a few batteries it performs a multi-colored light show in the front and back (the back being bats flying around). He’s one of my fave decorations because I adopted him from my mom’s house so it feels like a nice symbol of when I was a youngster at Halloween.</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XJUrpI6yGUY/Tq_T419EoRI/AAAAAAAAFyc/OdRIPgcaOXI/s1600-h/DSC00187%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00187" height="399" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5HD5jDJz4sg/Tq_T5snvRTI/AAAAAAAAFyk/pWL4FFV2PSk/DSC00187_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00187" width="600" /></a>Lastly, I picked up this sticky “Beware” blood looking decal the day before Halloween on sale for $1. It worked like a breeze and I could even store it in a freezer bag to make an appearance next year.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"> Milk Jug Pumpkin DIY:<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l0acMeVubUI/Tq_T77Z0ygI/AAAAAAAAFys/Bp9w9vVT3IM/s1600-h/DSC00229%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00229" height="677" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fvQtIoN4Oq4/Tq_T8JzJvRI/AAAAAAAAFy0/L41AMEp8xJM/DSC00229_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00229" width="450" /></a>Making these guys are so easy peasy. We started saving all our milk jugs since around the end of July (if anyone’s interested, we used 7 jugs of milk between mid-July to Oct. but that’s only one milk drinker since my soy milk comes in smaller cartons). Make sure you give them a thorough rinse and store them somewhere dry. First thing I did was draw on whatever spook-tacular face came to mind with a sharpie. I wound up with a vampire, some jack-o-lanterns, a bat, a cat etc. Get creative and draw whatever you would otherwise carve. The one seen above is an incomplete tester jug I snapped a quick pic of for this tutorial.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wTxZz119mS4/Tq_T-RkGN-I/AAAAAAAAFy8/DYsRK374jWw/s1600-h/DSC00226%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00226" height="677" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dqCYFugEw04/Tq_T-63H4KI/AAAAAAAAFzE/5igltf9edOo/DSC00226_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00226" width="450" /></a> Next, cut a small hole in the front of the jug where the label is. The smaller the better so more light stays inside the jug and can’t escape through the hole. As for lighting, you can go a couple different ways: we used those flame-less tea lights that are battery powered ($1.25 for two at the dollar store) or you could also use a string of battery powered Christmas lights if that’s something you already own.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><img alt="DSC00189" height="677" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gFAi_KHrdHE/Tq_T_GooPqI/AAAAAAAAFzM/mlsUo-pTywY/DSC00189_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00189" width="450" />When you’re finished just line your jugs up and flick on the lights. I got a lot of moms saying, “What a neat idea!” and a few older kids saying they, “liked my jugs”…. I prefer to think they’re talking about the milk cartons and nothing else.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Inside our house got the Halloween treatment too. Here’s a few quick pics of some of the decor:</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3uGhBuNPmmI/Tq_T_yeuJ_I/AAAAAAAAFzU/c-IkIZncyVg/s1600-h/image%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="677" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eEe-q7uLV4c/Tq_UCBheDfI/AAAAAAAAFzc/Rml4MQBNRjs/image_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="450" /></a> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UPPn8BREWR8/Tq_UECMzjcI/AAAAAAAAFzk/XV-R9PBW0OQ/s1600-h/DSC00241%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00241" height="677" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fZHs1mTU8e4/Tq_UEoeBPoI/AAAAAAAAFzs/JzLDXMJ6ot0/DSC00241_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00241" width="450" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wyVidwhLWhs/Tq_UGizT5PI/AAAAAAAAFz0/EgLBCmHt7OY/s1600-h/DSC00239%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00239" height="399" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-q9fyiESSJRA/Tq_UG6dYIJI/AAAAAAAAFz8/8bZoOnpHXTM/DSC00239_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00239" width="600" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xhAYfpvTucA/Tq_UJAECbyI/AAAAAAAAF0E/i8CsNlmJ1TI/s1600-h/DSC00236%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00236" height="399" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y_UZZSSLOdM/Tq_UJg4hLDI/AAAAAAAAF0M/sZWn8p0sjSA/DSC00236_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00236" width="600" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yIN6bwTtS80/Tq_UKPNkZWI/AAAAAAAAF0U/0nTdJoUqwj4/s1600-h/image%25255B11%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="399" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i-vpuS8n9RU/Tq_UKyIRvzI/AAAAAAAAF0Y/qq7sekIlmxc/image_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: inline;" title="image" width="600" /></a> </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pe5AFqTlKhY/Tq_ULgTW4II/AAAAAAAAF0k/tdPubGmf0oE/s1600-h/image%25255B7%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="679" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aCTD1Rxziow/Tq_UMmSNiKI/AAAAAAAAF0s/lVoCnrSnIII/image_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="450" /></a> </div><div align="center">I hope you all had a really fun and safe Halloween!</div><div align="center">-xoxo</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Photo credit property of Reckless Bliss)</span></div>recklessblisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09530528269888507923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504024246918724412.post-59012712826688224612011-10-27T00:04:00.000-07:002011-10-28T00:24:23.699-07:00Chalkboard DIY<div align="center"><img alt="DSC00115" height="333" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oT5GHCsV33Y/TqpUWavGx9I/AAAAAAAAFsQ/uGfIl6mWGFc/DSC00115%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00115" width="500" /> Chalkboards are soooo popular nowadays they are a dime a dozen. I never actually planned on making one, for no real reason, other than it just didn’t make it to my gigantic “<i>wish list</i>” list. However, on an outing with my fella for something entirely unrelated at a lumber store, creativity sparked and I was helpless to its will.</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gbx3BZ9eh7A/TqpUVyg2NtI/AAAAAAAAFsY/icxJAqxjsE4/s1600-h/DSC09944%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09944" height="333" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Okncin3ziDU/TqpUbvYIcGI/AAAAAAAAFsc/3-c9Ik_lwpM/DSC09944_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09944" width="500" /></a> Outside the store was a huge rack of mismatched cupboard doors marked down to as I call it, “<i>Get it outta here!</i>” prices. Crafting is best done when random sales are found and opportunities arise. I found this "40x"20 ivory cupboard door that had some brown discoloration on the panel. For $10 this baby was mine for the taking. I hadn’t come to any decision on what it would be used for but I knew I could put it to good use.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UowwAN_72tg/TqpUe6t5LZI/AAAAAAAAFsk/N9sPz8PiKtA/s1600-h/DSC09949%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09949" height="333" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DF87Z-IQ7dY/TqpUfXOKK2I/AAAAAAAAFss/3Vt-eCMBNxk/DSC09949_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09949" width="500" /></a>The cabinet back had four holes drilled in which I knew would make for easy hanging. Once I settled on where I wanted to hang it, I decided on making it into a chalkboard. I figured all this crazed chalkboard-making hype must not be wrong, right?</div><div align="center"> <img alt="DSC09950" height="333" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H1Jehs1fPY8/TqpUivxzroI/AAAAAAAAFs4/o74W2tYTHGM/DSC09950_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09950" width="500" /> The door has great traditional lines which would actually look gorgeous in a kitchen with all its friends…. but hanging solo in my house will have to suffice. So, the project begins:</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Xdri5OJ_VBo/TqpUlpoeShI/AAAAAAAAFtE/iMpamqRsLmQ/s1600-h/DSC00112%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00112" height="602" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TCUmKhMq_vc/TqpUmF6jjmI/AAAAAAAAFtM/xzY6ISKe19c/DSC00112_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00112" width="400" /></a>First thing's first, I needed supplies. Pretty simple stuff involved; two cans of spray paint and some tape. I already had the paint and white paint from <a href="http://recklessbliss.blogspot.com/2011/09/ornate-frame-diy.html">this previous project</a> and just needed to buy the chalkboard paint. I went with spray paint rather than a can of paint because spray paint doesn’t leave brush strokes.<br />
P.S. Black chalkboard spray paint is oddly hard to find in Canada. The only place we could it track down was at Rona.</div><div align="center"> <img alt="DSC00034" height="333" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-j22gOns7Lx0/TqpUpoEj9eI/AAAAAAAAFtc/mYzTYvoTwnk/DSC00034_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00034" width="500" /> First step I did was spray paint the white around the outside of the frame. I didn’t tape it off for this step because it didn’t matter if paint got on the middle panel since it was going to be painted black later. Once you’re ready to paint the black then it’s time for taping. This process can be time consuming because you really have to make your lines straight and precise.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rIUrh9bjLUo/TqpUs0ONyXI/AAAAAAAAFtk/cY2vYgNsQ-Q/s1600-h/DSC00036%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00036" height="333" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KH6Eufizl8o/TqpUtCvB4LI/AAAAAAAAFts/K1-XM2HBQTI/DSC00036_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00036" width="500" /></a>After the blue tape, I taped some newspapers around the frame to cover the rest of the white. Very simple and better than wasting a ton of tape.</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SI1BeZDAe8A/TqpUvyHZsZI/AAAAAAAAFt0/gfEcOpQHjRQ/s1600-h/DSC00045%25255B3%25255D.jpg"> <img alt="DSC00045" height="333" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yamXi9uQ5co/TqpUwVjhocI/AAAAAAAAFt8/hkJjeJFOzGI/DSC00045_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00045" width="500" /></a> My fella was on spray paint duty. He started with the edges to be sure it got a thorough coat and then filled in the middle.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RJfitovmSK4/TqpUzmxdAyI/AAAAAAAAFuE/gndl5X-e24Q/s1600-h/DSC00049%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00049" height="333" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GufrAqs3Hew/TqpUz4dOZDI/AAAAAAAAFuM/2_0Ovx_-GoQ/DSC00049_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00049" width="500" /></a>It took two coats before it didn’t look splotchy but once it was completed and the tape came off I was impressed. Suddenly, I fully understood the chalkboard rage!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KtW0WBVCa4E/TqpU3Tmt3SI/AAAAAAAAFuU/LAgpPex5SQw/s1600-h/DSC00114%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00114" height="602" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LdUQqggVjIo/TqpU4TUn59I/AAAAAAAAFuc/L6kgw4H1yb8/DSC00114_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00114" width="400" /></a> What a beaut!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WtR0osyoyKc/TqpU8ME76gI/AAAAAAAAFuk/TJlOeIz7qGc/s1600-h/DSC00118%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00118" height="333" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ptW7byZu9_8/TqpU8yebcMI/AAAAAAAAFus/s8zsZBdT9E0/DSC00118_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00118" width="500" /></a>The can of chalkboard spray painted suggested covering the entire board with chalk before using it.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--aIVpuXQVRU/TqpVAWsrtoI/AAAAAAAAFu0/EXuJ_apoxjw/s1600-h/DSC00122%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00122" height="333" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8G8Y0vCuujo/TqpVA37B49I/AAAAAAAAFu8/-6p9_o3pq8A/DSC00122_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00122" width="500" /></a> Using a paper towel to wipe away the chalk you end up with a much more familiar looking board reminiscent of childhood school days.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mg-AlyPTm1o/TqpVDtX_aAI/AAAAAAAAFvE/jMCAYxwuveQ/s1600-h/DSC00105%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00105" height="333" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KSqYPZKqofs/TqpVEO079wI/AAAAAAAAFvM/q29bjT3tKZ8/DSC00105_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00105" width="500" /></a>To make the door <i>hangable</i> (ya, that’s not a word) I attached these mean looking metal teeth to the back which I also picked up from Rona for about $2. </div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-goTlMejUqW4/TqpVHcnk7sI/AAAAAAAAFvU/McML2Cqamd8/s1600-h/DSC00107%25255B3%25255D.jpg"> <img alt="DSC00107" height="602" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qeweEIzrSbs/TqpVHw_5CsI/AAAAAAAAFvc/T-i7JV_AwJQ/DSC00107_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00107" width="400" /></a> Lastly I threw on some adhesive wall protectors and she’s ready to shine.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MantTlkW77Y/TqpVKiUkGqI/AAAAAAAAFvk/dIsjGpQy5Zo/s1600-h/DSC00125%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00125" height="333" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NGHpRqpq5bg/TqpVMaWC9SI/AAAAAAAAFvs/1MEDwyhTEuQ/DSC00125_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00125" width="500" /></a>I settled on the hallway as its new home since I have an abnormally small amount of free wall space in my casa because of an abundance doors, windows, closets etc. so this was basically the only place it would actually fit. Makes my decision process easy!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-B7l3BZ6Ia8k/TqpVPC8F2hI/AAAAAAAAFv0/_zqwT-RcCN0/s1600-h/DSC00132%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00132" height="333" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-K68gL8Xk5_I/TqpVPipG6qI/AAAAAAAAFv8/TV2m5zFnBLg/DSC00132_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC00132" width="500" /></a> And thus, ends the tale of how this lonely kitchen cupboard got a simple makeover into a fun and useful chalkboard all for about $15 smack-a-roos.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Thanks for reading guys and stay tuned for some more projects I am working on as well as a few updates on the progress of my overall home! Feel free to comment and/or share your own personal DIY projects.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Photos property of Reckless Bliss. Reckless Bliss is not paid or compensated in any way to promote a specific brand or product.)</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div>recklessblisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09530528269888507923noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504024246918724412.post-57508888483072034572011-10-20T23:14:00.001-07:002011-10-20T23:16:03.562-07:00Color Inspiration: Black<div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2oF6ECbk36c/TqENS-zluYI/AAAAAAAAFiM/kHr2h6ow0GM/s1600-h/image%25255B61%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="473" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4TlRTcFJajA/TqENTol879I/AAAAAAAAFiU/JSTgdyPUlf0/image_thumb%25255B23%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /></a> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vlzffN73mLw/TqENUX296YI/AAAAAAAAFic/npm_Ez17wYo/s1600-h/image%25255B63%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="638" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EzWI3UO5VLw/TqENVMgpH5I/AAAAAAAAFik/7Ma1WWl5HFw/image_thumb%25255B25%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="450" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-W2R7nIrgPOo/TqENV6kvarI/AAAAAAAAFis/L8iMsStunhI/s1600-h/image%25255B65%25255D.png"><span style="color: #25beb7;"></span><img alt="image" height="378" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5WBLpq7wMOg/TqENW0WJD2I/AAAAAAAAFi0/uDjXasKzBhY/image_thumb%25255B27%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /></a> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BEjd7YlHgDs/TqENXTnZMfI/AAAAAAAAFi8/btdLwPcQGc0/s1600-h/image%25255B66%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="335" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qeSue3RzuTE/TqENYUgXFMI/AAAAAAAAFjE/f8ecrThZSvU/image_thumb%25255B28%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /></a> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Gs_zomv2i3Y/TqENY5QRHGI/AAAAAAAAFjM/yH2MHg5pLB0/s1600-h/image%25255B67%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="537" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5xjKTsB-iAA/TqENZtN1yKI/AAAAAAAAFjU/vop8y-EHVuQ/image_thumb%25255B29%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="347" /></a> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gZlktulU4ME/TqENaMQ3PiI/AAAAAAAAFjc/fz1cq-ua60E/s1600-h/image%25255B68%25255D.png"><span style="color: #7f7f7f;"></span><img alt="image" height="333" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w1n3egdRdkQ/TqENazKPUUI/AAAAAAAAFjk/phNOTtKgiu4/image_thumb%25255B30%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /></a></div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jcpm9wwspCg/TqENbua5TJI/AAAAAAAAFjs/CoQOGjMpxo4/s1600-h/image%25255B70%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="622" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-x752VAAxeBw/TqENcDzc66I/AAAAAAAAFj0/mcl2YQ0Pde4/image_thumb%25255B32%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="450" /></a> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VOptxY5IZCs/TqENdZo0QcI/AAAAAAAAFj8/GBQcxmkpoVA/s1600-h/image%25255B45%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="340" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BXgpN6zUug4/TqENeN289uI/AAAAAAAAFkE/2R9eY3zfyKo/image_thumb%25255B17%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /></a> </div><div align="center"><span style="color: #7f7f7f;"></span><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xW5elm5Rhvg/TqENfEZFSZI/AAAAAAAAFkM/ShVxXrIZHrE/s1600-h/image%25255B72%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="512" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-03a-QssyBsI/TqENf331oMI/AAAAAAAAFkU/ZkBKSZ9A0Lo/image_thumb%25255B34%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /></a> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZT1w-cUK0cc/TqENgW0GbzI/AAAAAAAAFkc/A2bYPkeEezM/s1600-h/image%25255B74%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="369" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-li2WUoWmUzg/TqENheibP0I/AAAAAAAAFkk/46vbW2FeDfI/image_thumb%25255B36%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /></a> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RiKJWjZK8kk/TqENhu0hjyI/AAAAAAAAFks/NCMdtuSW97Y/s1600-h/image%25255B92%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="533" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rbjVx-1kD_c/TqENiEEeC_I/AAAAAAAAFk0/7qtlEDeYzSg/image_thumb%25255B52%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="400" /></a> </div><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YzzQw1IL_nc/TqENimOCyZI/AAAAAAAAFk8/QbonESrYODo/s1600-h/image%25255B104%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="307" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GqOVcK6NcgA/TqENjTho_OI/AAAAAAAAFlE/gl1Bqv529JM/image_thumb%25255B58%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="460" /></a> <br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hzzzVdW9SsQ/TqENkDJRHsI/AAAAAAAAFlM/ROyCmsYFI4A/s1600-h/image%25255B76%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="359" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Uco5sV2aDAk/TqENk73edVI/AAAAAAAAFlU/xxtxn-WrAJA/image_thumb%25255B38%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /></a> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GjuDgvvOhF0/TqENmd9PafI/AAAAAAAAFlc/zQjV2O8BNG4/s1600-h/image%25255B78%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="676" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PCUL_sEDUsw/TqENnpzg4cI/AAAAAAAAFlk/vkJw0Cjnn-c/image_thumb%25255B40%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="450" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-A2sX2AH--fw/TqENoTGjdXI/AAAAAAAAFls/7_HzVRPImdI/s1600-h/image%25255B100%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="480" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3B_but7Slo4/TqENo6G9_BI/AAAAAAAAFl0/3aH00Af18MA/image_thumb%25255B56%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="320" /></a> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7onY-5qTWOU/TqENpa9XaGI/AAAAAAAAFl8/10kxO7Xe8JI/s1600-h/image%25255B80%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="327" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-prq52dpg_G4/TqENqKZIlyI/AAAAAAAAFmE/czexsleyV6k/image_thumb%25255B42%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /></a> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jl-lu2Me7Uc/TqENq3m-8EI/AAAAAAAAFmM/OIMuYsXXBIQ/s1600-h/image%25255B89%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="600" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RrKyGLDynaQ/TqENsMrxIwI/AAAAAAAAFmU/ey38ttG8d78/image_thumb%25255B49%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-d784mc4fkwk/TqENuKfB-3I/AAAAAAAAFmc/SWC_xGdrUrE/s1600-h/image%25255B91%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="332" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Nk1XV6UWsDE/TqENvG_wIEI/AAAAAAAAFmk/ah4FMR8B3Mw/image_thumb%25255B51%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /></a> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2WhJd8nBZuM/TqENv3P0bXI/AAAAAAAAFms/a_uJLcfOkJM/s1600-h/image%25255B83%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="652" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yY-hfWxZDmY/TqENwQSGWBI/AAAAAAAAFm0/zphi6WH8RQg/image_thumb%25255B45%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="450" /></a> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zWpLdCZJhDs/TqENxASG6hI/AAAAAAAAFm8/MBkpzi_g0Ic/s1600-h/image%25255B81%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="669" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hzwPWI9P6pE/TqENyJpz8_I/AAAAAAAAFnE/oNAD308QvCM/image_thumb%25255B43%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /></a> </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Photo credit Google Images)</span></div>recklessblisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09530528269888507923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504024246918724412.post-25001238914260765662011-10-14T03:12:00.000-07:002011-10-15T03:18:11.218-07:00“Revenge” Hamptons House Tour<div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-S_PmWr4NZl4/TplcnN12LkI/AAAAAAAAFcE/vCGF5D62-E8/s1600-h/image%25255B4%25255D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="image" height="195" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KUSg1Lhe0XY/TplcnrCLXiI/AAAAAAAAFcM/0TdfiwxTzo8/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: inline;" title="image" width="600" /></a></div>This is a show my mom actually turned me onto watching after a bunch of pestering. She kept saying it was such a good show and I needed to watch it so I gave it a shot. We ll she was right but probably not for the reason she thinks (although it is an overall decent show plot wise too) If you’re anything like me then you are a total sucker for awesome sets in movies and on TV and Revenge does not disappoint. The show takes place in the Hamptons and there are some ridiculously beautiful homes in it. It’s always fun to tour these beauties so let’s take a peak around. First up is the Grayson mansion which is a sprawling classic shingle style Hamptons home:</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jaIP3tyYu08/TplcokCTs4I/AAAAAAAAFcU/SpnEzhk_NHE/s1600-h/r8%25255B4%25255D.png"><span style="color: #25beb7;"></span><img alt="r8" height="273" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f7iMxFh2Uco/TplcpTS291I/AAAAAAAAFcc/Gh06IFCpG70/r8_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="r8" width="500" /></a>Could you even imagine saying this was your home? It’s so over the top and gorgeous I could burst.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rnJA8DJ-a2c/Tplcp1gSiMI/AAAAAAAAFck/wM7XDXB4dJs/s1600-h/r4%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="r4" height="271" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KXwQ0VNKRjw/TplcqaY1pJI/AAAAAAAAFcs/aT8l509cqFg/r4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="r4" width="500" /></a>It’s funny because as soon as I saw the home I thought, “I LOVE THE TURRET!” and lucky for me, the evil she-devil character spends an awful lot of time out on it spying on her new young neighbor so I get plenty of time to gawk.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xquD2a7s5PE/TplcraEVkhI/AAAAAAAAFc0/TIasx4CCw8o/s1600-h/r13%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="r13" height="274" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-msYUswdfWQo/TplcsMRe8GI/AAAAAAAAFc8/TDsbBQTd7tA/r13_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="r13" width="500" /></a>The foyer is as equally lovely as you might expect with trim panelled white walls and a beautiful staircase. the actual home they used to film the pilot in was featured in <a href="http://www.wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com/article.asp?aid=768&iid=95&sud=27">Wrightsville Beach Magazine</a> so we can get an even better look at all the details. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><img alt="r..." height="437" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r0hPhEkybpM/TplctE-nQyI/AAAAAAAAFdE/tLxrZFo2xrI/r..._thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="r..." width="350" />The actual foyer in the home.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_PMEfEU552o/Tplct6COL2I/AAAAAAAAFdM/T78WoG3L9CQ/s1600-h/r14%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="r14" height="273" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NlJlD0OC3VE/TplcuHzEkII/AAAAAAAAFdU/6c96JeO-hb4/r14_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="r14" width="500" /></a>I added in a couple shots of them walking the staircase and hall just to give you a peak at some of the moulding details as well as that little back corner lounging area in the picture below.</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZHTGjWq4yf0/Tplcux7oK7I/AAAAAAAAFdc/sXMBAZCzTFQ/s1600-h/r15%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="r15" height="273" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7MvyRrLOw3U/TplcvPLsLmI/AAAAAAAAFdk/-MKGNEUrEp8/r15_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="r15" width="500" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S7YOmoBYq8Y/Tplcv3t2hCI/AAAAAAAAFds/m-MTz-9nsnY/s1600-h/r6%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="r6" height="274" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lOE8npuZQIY/TplcwriKPXI/AAAAAAAAFd0/gblhOm4UUIc/r6_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="r6" width="500" /></a>This is the living room as shot in the pilot which subtlety took on a new look for the second episode. In the pilot we see darker brown couches in the living room but they change for the next episode when the filming is moved to a sound stage. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YgtsT5QQkt4/TplcxiAmgnI/AAAAAAAAFd8/HYRDGAQa3qo/s1600-h/r.%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="r." height="360" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cvyRRlAsp5k/TplcyWSsnVI/AAAAAAAAFeE/DTy5mtMKEHI/r._thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="r." width="500" /></a> This gives you an awesome view of the real home from the kitchen point of view.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z13CbRFSvvY/TplczZwBX6I/AAAAAAAAFeM/2Xj83uDJZUM/s1600-h/r7%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="r7" height="273" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-V-n5bFPJev8/Tplc0KN2FwI/AAAAAAAAFeU/Ql6IVCu4hTg/r7_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="r7" width="500" /></a> I actually really liked the light fixtures they used, normally I’m not huge on that hive type looking pendants but these ones really made the space feel chic.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c0EP28n68Zs/Tplc1L5LrcI/AAAAAAAAFec/Amxi29f655c/s1600-h/r9%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="r9" height="274" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VKcNBXOO8UQ/Tplc1xnI0xI/AAAAAAAAFek/TW4lQmkudus/r9_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="r9" width="500" /></a>When Victoria has ladies over we get a larger look at her living room. The couches have been moved out and a chair brought in for each lady. She of course sits in the fanciest and most powerful looking seat.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2RsRDPlhoFw/Tplc2m_rLjI/AAAAAAAAFes/OZA4t_NIRoE/s1600-h/r10%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="r10" height="274" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wfWOK-kR-1o/Tplc3j2TDPI/AAAAAAAAFe0/11Wq40ILZh4/r10_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="r10" width="500" /></a> This is a great shot to see all the built-ins and wainscoting these homes are so famous for.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Y3t-OddWnmk/Tplc4QD0b_I/AAAAAAAAFe8/tq0ux3RXCmY/s1600-h/r18%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="r18" height="283" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JOVInL9jrz0/Tplc5I53UhI/AAAAAAAAFfE/PG13zjit_3M/r18_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="r18" width="500" /></a> For the second episode the couches become these cream colored over-stuffed pieces. I think they go quite well with the decor and actually fit Victoria’s personality as a “snob” better then the more hip feeling brown sofas.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-I5VM5UUn-4U/Tplc6FmkUZI/AAAAAAAAFfM/Uc3d-C4W8KE/s1600-h/r19%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="r19" height="281" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PToWWt8NxPY/Tplc60gr2fI/AAAAAAAAFfU/3DfMKEw9eoM/r19_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="r19" width="500" /></a>Another change as you can see is that the staircase is suddenly open to the living room now. I can’t say I care for this look as much as the original but you hardly even notice with everything else going on. The home also features all the other classics of Hampton style homes like the transom windows and french doors. It’s all about light and airy when it comes to these spaces.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-u5Fjr2Vv0as/Tplc7u6EueI/AAAAAAAAFfc/Ok4tKkXP6pw/s1600-h/r16%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="r16" height="274" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Kb52CxVVRLo/Tplc8MnMvpI/AAAAAAAAFfk/ZZqPa7tNWPc/r16_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="r16" width="500" /></a>While Victoria and her husband have an argument you get the quickest little look into their master bedroom but fortunately we get a much better look at it thanks to the good people at Wrightsville Beach Magazine:</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9wrKMiPC_yE/Tplc8sfVuwI/AAAAAAAAFfs/7G_SVwS9orQ/s1600-h/r..%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="r.." height="480" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-285_4O74jqc/Tplc9uH0NDI/AAAAAAAAFf0/CB5Xv3vBvwo/r.._thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="r.." width="333" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-j2d3-yhZ_ZQ/Tplc-agWZ9I/AAAAAAAAFf8/d1xZlptShtY/s1600-h/r11%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="r11" height="273" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TkanUnObofg/Tplc-2ku0tI/AAAAAAAAFgE/UMYAIR1fKyA/r11_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="r11" width="500" /></a>And with a home this size you know you’re bound to see one giant over the top lavatory. The facilities don’t disappoint with plenty of white wood and marble to go around.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Now for a look into the main character’s home which neighbor’s the Grayson mansion: </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GChm-oecugg/Tplc_jZYM4I/AAAAAAAAFgM/LAusbsvHMW0/s1600-h/r21%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="r21" height="281" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rr27L6-CkE4/TpldAQx5RzI/AAAAAAAAFgU/njNybmakowA/r21_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="r21" width="500" /></a> This is a back shot of the home which in comparison is much much smaller but I would still be completely smitten living there.</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZN72rAIpNRI/TpldBJKD2mI/AAAAAAAAFgc/kscZknhLhvU/s1600-h/r2%25255B3%25255D.png"> <img alt="r2" height="273" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qFjlhSNN2XM/TpldBkv0X6I/AAAAAAAAFgk/-yil-i0jmTg/r2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="r2" width="500" /></a> The girl has an amazing water view with a gigantic wrap around porch to relax.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ADjkVpctLzM/TpldCX0TsgI/AAAAAAAAFgs/N-LPsA65uO8/s1600-h/r3%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="r3" height="273" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eLFiHBqjez8/TpldDAeGRwI/AAAAAAAAFg0/4uVNJ-mgF1A/r3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="r3" width="500" /></a>Oh, and she also has a pier to walk out on which you see her doing at night… and of course tear up a little out of pure jealously.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-16GJCIroUT0/TpldD0WuHvI/AAAAAAAAFg8/LFV166cRIKc/s1600-h/r22%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="r22" height="276" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MULq7qbuTJo/TpldEmb0c3I/AAAAAAAAFhE/Jds6XBVlRo8/r22_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="r22" width="500" /></a> Here’s a few shots of the interior which was kept fairly light and girly for the most part with a country sort of look to it.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SYAlrTB6hww/TpldGNYZVRI/AAAAAAAAFhM/l1mmDxss4Yk/s1600-h/r20%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="r20" height="281" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YP0J68lG_TI/TpldI5VXaHI/AAAAAAAAFhU/AyTqQQPsjNk/r20_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: inline;" title="r20" width="500" /></a> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ktfR-OCVB9g/TpldOzBBD0I/AAAAAAAAFhc/Syd5hmN5ALU/s1600-h/r17%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="r17" height="276" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W5pjvPxqXjE/TpldPeUQ4AI/AAAAAAAAFhk/ShY5uZwizU8/r17_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="r17" width="500" /></a>So that’s the main homes from the new show on ABC which I suggest tuning into if you have the time on Wednesday nights. What do you think? Are the homes your style or do you tend to like something totally different? Please let me hear your thoughts on it!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FxRwSMPj7gA/TpldPtzoGgI/AAAAAAAAFhs/olXY-1J0Aws/s1600-h/revenge%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="revenge" height="130" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7OSKpjnE5XE/TpldQF6JvUI/AAAAAAAAFh0/2hoyOqOy0xw/revenge_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="revenge" width="400" /></a>P.S.One of my favorite parts of the whole show was the message you first read before you see or know about anything. I think it’s a very astute message so I wanted to share it with you folks. </div><div align="center">Have an awesome, fabulous, amazing and all around righteous weekend my pretties!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Photo credit City TV, Wrightsville Beach House Magazine, and Google Images)</span></div>recklessblisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09530528269888507923noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504024246918724412.post-88337545694107280752011-10-05T15:48:00.001-07:002012-01-19T18:14:07.749-08:00Decorating For Fall<div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xuJhJjCZBaw/Tozd2j8-XdI/AAAAAAAAFY0/4ixJZsqfG84/s1600-h/DSC09942%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09942" height="752" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xcwJCgbjjOI/Tozd3R6XRgI/AAAAAAAAFY4/gdXqAXoGPs4/DSC09942_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09942" width="500" /></a>Hi everyone, hope you are all having a fabulous hump day! I wanted to <i>finally </i>post some pictures of the fall decorations in and around my house. It’s not really complete yet because I hold off on a lot of the Halloween related stuff since in Canada we have Thanksgiving first then Halloween a couple weeks after so everything is a work in progress. This first picture is of my fall wreath that took forever to find. There were soooo many options for fall wreathes but I wanted to be picky and not buy one until I found something that didn’t look super fake or over the top, I was holding out for “Mr. Right Wreath.” After looking at wreathes in all price ranges and zillions of stores I finally settled on this guy which I found at Wal-Mart for $15 smacka-roos. I thought it was subtle and brought out the red of my door really well. Man, was I happy to get something on that door too, I am not a patient lady when it comes to decorating for the season.</div><div align="center"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqoFm68cDCjiXFfAuSNe35vzd_toyEoKKejzAmsmcTKhD70jIMmwTHIoM0h5vf8BMBMq-Zm7gZj3GLOwxJ_lL-5SYZ4RBTwHWxPQXYURH79ofBJhaOzDwWfn4iLx2GZVLgIaOgJxGxuwW/s1600/DSC09728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqoFm68cDCjiXFfAuSNe35vzd_toyEoKKejzAmsmcTKhD70jIMmwTHIoM0h5vf8BMBMq-Zm7gZj3GLOwxJ_lL-5SYZ4RBTwHWxPQXYURH79ofBJhaOzDwWfn4iLx2GZVLgIaOgJxGxuwW/s640/DSC09728.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>This is what it looks like as you walk up the steps to my house. The brown will all eventually turn black when my fella finds the time to make that happen. No idea when that will be....</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-drvqUeUkSOU/Tozd9Ih7_fI/AAAAAAAAFZE/MUFP-7Q8oEQ/s1600-h/DSC09937%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09937" height="752" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iSkSlfsHybs/Tozd94-GgeI/AAAAAAAAFZI/vurFlyPvPxo/DSC09937_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09937" width="500" /></a>I got this lantern at Ikea for $7 marked down from $15, which was a total score might I add. I find a use for it every season. This Christmas I intend on loading it up with holiday themed decor the same as how it’s packed with pumpkins and pinecones right now.</div><div align="center"> These are my pathetic plants. The apple basket on the stand isn’t doing too terribly but I’m such a terrible gardener I can’t seem to keep my pots of mums alive. If any of you have any advice on where I’m derailing here please leave it in the comments. Side note, they looked gorgeous the first day I brought them home (pre-plant massacre) when they were in full orange bloom.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xF7mW0IhGZLUu2s2B4rzUbCQ5-A7bSAtfnYGTCwO5XAyC58ZPk_ZLKdrGuJKTSBu_LxsxSono8BhCj5xpUjEUIMke8qxZyZxcXiFcNYKpMH3xg3aNnEOhFIUnWsS-Qa25CD1FXVEpRbm/s1600/DSC09736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xF7mW0IhGZLUu2s2B4rzUbCQ5-A7bSAtfnYGTCwO5XAyC58ZPk_ZLKdrGuJKTSBu_LxsxSono8BhCj5xpUjEUIMke8qxZyZxcXiFcNYKpMH3xg3aNnEOhFIUnWsS-Qa25CD1FXVEpRbm/s640/DSC09736.JPG" width="426" /></a></div></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><img alt="DSC09941" height="366" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9XXWV6zWYgQ/TozeCEEtbiI/AAAAAAAAFZU/xkTkcBDIQPY/DSC09941_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09941" width="550" />Well that’s the outside of my house at the moment, now let’s take a look-see inside shall we?</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VBAtZmZHgWk/TozeE3soyCI/AAAAAAAAFZY/lZiBtX5bkRY/s1600-h/DSC09875%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09875" height="751" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZBE2nHoI_2A/TozeFZCzoyI/AAAAAAAAFZc/UKa0A9VrQis/DSC09875_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09875" width="500" /></a>This is my little display area to feed my decorating vice. I don’t have a fireplace mantle to guccy up so I (my fella did all the work) put up these floating shelves which I found at Canadian Tire.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DOUAjL80rSU/TozeH8SEiLI/AAAAAAAAFZg/-NHRLKsU0oE/s1600-h/DSC09880%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09880" height="752" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XV2iYT1Au0g/TozeITxqu0I/AAAAAAAAFZk/FBo_BLgwIS4/DSC09880_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09880" width="500" /></a>The candle sticks are from Ikea, they come in packs of three at all different sizes but if you end up smashing one like moi, then you only get two… but on the bright side, three sticks wouldn’t have worked on the shelf so all is well.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0ZiYqZUke6Y/TozeLLZBQtI/AAAAAAAAFZo/Cyu6CIO2USM/s1600-h/DSC09882%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09882" height="366" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WBwV1_0UQfs/TozeL7Ic9NI/AAAAAAAAFZs/R28YHTdBz0Y/DSC09882_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09882" width="550" /></a>I got the “FALL” pumpkin candle holders from Michael's a few years back on major sale. I’m guessing it was on major sale because all they had left was “FAL” but I bought them anyways hoping they might bring them back the next year. What I silly fool I was to think that ever happens. So now I just disperse them around the house separately so it isn’t quite as obvious. (One year I tried displaying them as “ALF” as if it were intentional but that just made people confused and raised many questions which I had no sensible answers for.) The little mason jar was just something I had sitting around so I filled it with some delicious candy corn and tied an orange ribbon around it. I also had some cute Autumn stickers so I attached one as a “label” for the jar.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iXHNqGWyXtQ/TozeOdTeTjI/AAAAAAAAFZw/YHGa92x1_SA/s1600-h/DSC09883%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09883" height="752" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3vZdWDL2Gm0/TozeO3jL04I/AAAAAAAAFZ0/E72jDZs4294/DSC09883_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09883" width="500" /></a>This is one of the few Halloween themed decorations I have up right now but I thought they were too cute to wait. I got them at HomeSense for $10 but I bet they would be easy enough to make if you had the will power.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CsC7IOpr6n0/TozeR5tnIUI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/96BIRLxNwQE/s1600-h/DSC09884%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09884" height="752" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TV-xqXEWTMw/TozeSRruZaI/AAAAAAAAFZ8/k-HrFMEt7Us/DSC09884_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09884" width="500" /></a> I haven’t gotten around to doing much crafty stuff of any sort so I was super excited to make this picture for my Fall display. It was pretty straight forward stuff. I used Fall themed scrapbook paper and some more of the stickers I had. I cut out the letters myself which took forever and then decided that they should have been bigger but I was not about to re-do it so here we are. Toss it all in a frame with a little glue here and there and this is what you get! The frame is from Ikea by the way, I believe it was about $15.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-V9akdL0Evmk/TozeUgoJshI/AAAAAAAAFaA/G5LO2Mj3Mnw/s1600-h/DSC09885%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09885" height="366" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IhY2w3Pev0k/TozeVDVmnTI/AAAAAAAAFaE/Gq-kr-GqVF4/DSC09885_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09885" width="550" /></a>One thing I struggled with was the height of the second floating shelf because I knew I wanted there to be enough space to put candlesticks and picture frames on the shelf below but obviously the shelf needed to be at a height that made sense too. I ended up going about three feet above my bottom shelf and giving the little pumpkins a booster seat to sit on so they could be seen way up there. (It’s an empty couscous box. Shhh!)</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D9y5hwIv6qU/TozeXu_3QDI/AAAAAAAAFaI/ShssL6UnutU/s1600-h/DSC09886%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09886" height="752" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-t5DAIYDPEaY/TozeYYbUodI/AAAAAAAAFaM/-Nlag12kucg/DSC09886_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09886" width="500" /></a>Lastly, I added some beaded branch looking wire along the shelves and that’s how my <i>faux mantle</i> came to be. I’d say overall it turned out pretty decent for my premiere attempt at Fall decorating in our first home.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uydXqH6IlAo/Tozea02lYxI/AAAAAAAAFaQ/k0mHRMS4acU/s1600-h/DSC09873%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09873" height="752" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fretGhFoCBE/Tozeb73aE5I/AAAAAAAAFaU/_JPJxjgXT00/DSC09873_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09873" width="500" /></a>I have a lot more of that wirey beaded stuff you put around candles and what-not so I strung some of it up from my light fixture for a little extra Autumn flavor. So far not a single person has noticed it without me pointing it out…. but I know it’s there.</div><br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-latkSq8cIdU/TozeeQioQrI/AAAAAAAAFaY/TI7R7uiM6yk/s1600-h/DSC09890%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09890" height="752" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iif3RKATbY4/Tozee2kJUYI/AAAAAAAAFac/yZnmSXIBghk/DSC09890_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09890" width="500" /></a> This is how the dining room is looking overall now. I plan on hanging some pictures or something on either side of the shelves but that’s a project for another day. I already have a few plans brewing so stay tuned!</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hcA6glbbz6k/TozefUYvnfI/AAAAAAAAFag/Dt53y-o52jU/s1600-h/DSC09892%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09892" height="755" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BwlsLuVDG08/TozefzAtzrI/AAAAAAAAFak/UZIONnEBzWk/DSC09892_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09892" width="500" /></a> Moving into the living room I have decked out the space available to me as best I could. Candy corn has made another famous appearance in a much larger form here. I got this cute pumpkin dish from Target for $5 and loaded it up with treats. (If you want in on a dirty secret: the back of the dish looks nothing like the front because I <i>may have</i> been periodically dipping into it.. but there’s no evidence to prove that!)</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-onFiJJPQFqU/TozegelDM8I/AAAAAAAAFao/aJxLCQB5tlQ/s1600-h/DSC09893%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09893" height="366" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tsisBZnP3ZU/TozegxJ4KmI/AAAAAAAAFas/6XhNmfyJo08/DSC09893_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09893" width="549" /></a> In the center of the unit I kept it pretty simple on top with a line of tea lights which makes the leaves glow all pretty and possibly puts me at a higher risk of burning down my first home. But hey, it’s all worth it in the name of decor and design.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dn2jyi5xyWI/TozehctDO-I/AAAAAAAAFaw/_aw7hUC8VwI/s1600-h/DSC09898%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09898" height="366" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_EGwUzxSV1U/Tozeh1h38aI/AAAAAAAAFa0/poNlG7LE5hY/DSC09898_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09898" width="549" /></a>At the end of the unit is my other sole Halloween decoration. It’s a big white pumpkin I also got from HomeSense for $10. Once Thanksgiving comes and goes this weekend I’ll finish with the Halloween decorations and put up some new stuff. Underneath the giant pumpkin is some baby glass pumpkins I’ve had for a few years now. I got them from Safeway for about $2 each on sale so I snagged the last four they had. They were labelled as “dip bowls” but I thought they were cute all on their own and this way I don’t have to scrub dried up onion dip out of them.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QtyZIqUV4Dg/TozeiY1gW7I/AAAAAAAAFa4/VFpOD6_9TvE/s1600-h/DSC09895%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09895" height="367" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ds_4dl0SbS8/TozejFbNfjI/AAAAAAAAFa8/vFMYXWtCX40/DSC09895_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09895" width="550" /></a>There’s a few other little touches here and there in the entertainment unit like these orange Ikea candles and the little flower pots. I tried not to overwhelm the house and I was also on a tight budget so I needed to stretch what I had as best I could. </div><br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MAI0fqBh334/TozejoQ14JI/AAAAAAAAFbA/DKASD6KSFX8/s1600-h/DSC09900%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09900" height="366" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8wLCFruRp6U/TozekE5KG6I/AAAAAAAAFbE/YRa5F-PQcKw/DSC09900_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09900" width="549" /></a> This is the overall view of my Thanksgiving themed entertainment unit. Like I said, I plan on making it a little more spooky after this weekend of as I call it, ‘grateful gluttony’ is completed.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ok8JrbnLbVQ/TozekTrdHUI/AAAAAAAAFbI/7GpD1SBf4bs/s1600-h/DSC09901%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09901" height="753" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UadOqennnSY/Tozek183kAI/AAAAAAAAFbM/TRxTuOwlXaA/DSC09901_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09901" width="499" /></a>Lastly is my bookcase area in the corner of the living room. These bookcases have become a catch-all for the random books and magazines and what-not that fill everyday life so try to ignore the lack of organization in these next few pictures and focus on the decorating if you would be so kind. Also take note of the lonely glowing “A” that was forced to be separated from it’s lettered siblings. <b>*Warning Immature Joke Alert* </b>It’s A-hole is glowing tee-hee.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2i47NiHFe1I/TozelWTX-8I/AAAAAAAAFbQ/Qo9SY_DpZU4/s1600-h/DSC09903%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09903" height="753" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-J6qrJAn4Xto/TozelydGJWI/AAAAAAAAFbU/pCVa_e9p6Qw/DSC09903_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09903" width="499" /></a>These are my cheapo fake fall flowers that for some reason my cats cannot stop eating. It’s like crack for them so I had to make sure they were in an unreachable place. I suppose felines love the taste of inferior painted styrofoam and plastic petals. I layered a few fake leaves inside the vase to help it look fuller as well.</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qlBi33aBAvY/Tozeme-0OSI/AAAAAAAAFbY/mEut9yo83hc/s1600-h/DSC09911%25255B3%25255D.jpg"></a> </div><div align="center"><img alt="DSC09911" height="753" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-l5-wXlhjZ0M/TozemwvlyyI/AAAAAAAAFbc/mStnhvzfSoE/DSC09911_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09911" width="499" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Speaking of cheapo fake flowers, here’s some more for your viewing <strike>dis</strike>pleasure. I don’t mind using them for decorating because I’m not rich enough (or care enough for that matter) to buy fresh blooms every few days so I give myself an A for effort even if they aren’t the most realistic. The cats aren’t interested in these ones so I think it must be the mini styrofoam balls on the other flowers that have them hooked. Who knows what goes on in their complicated tiny melons.</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8BG5nwmKxJw/TozenT2-EiI/AAAAAAAAFbg/-0AoitZf_AQ/s1600-h/DSC09913%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09913" height="368" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cDKOyYmNBTE/TozeoN26ldI/AAAAAAAAFbk/NAtv5z8g7u8/DSC09913_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09913" width="550" /></a> A side view of my bookcases gives you a better overall idea of the setup. Gotta love those fake leaf garlands.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-J5aE5NYo8JQ/TozeohkpPdI/AAAAAAAAFbo/iRZn-KepKOo/s1600-h/DSC09927%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09927" height="753" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9BG80-gz5Qc/Tozepd_j7sI/AAAAAAAAFbs/N9DZ7bWGlhM/DSC09927_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09927" width="499" /></a>I typically drape the garlands over whatever surface I see but one day I plan to invest in some good quality ones with pinecones and other fixins’ to make it look a little more full and purdy. That little brown pumpkin shaped trooper is my one and only “L” from the “FAL” fiasco. Every year I decide I’m going to just toss them in the garbage but I just can’t bring myself to pull the trigger.</div><div align="center"> <img alt="DSC09930" height="366" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UvPiBljsRkA/TozeptYUdaI/AAAAAAAAFbw/Cit_OJh2now/DSC09930_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09930" width="549" />I love these leafy little guys. I scored them on a post-season sale at Carlton Cards for something like $5. I think it’s landing the sales that make me like the things so much more. Like little trophies scattered throughout to remind me of good finds at super duper prices.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Well that about does it for my house at the moment. Stay tuned for some more decorating and other fun posts here. And please feel free to share with me some of your favorite decorations or those trusty tips for keeping pots of mums alive and well. Until next time my beauties!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(All photos property of Reckless Bliss. Any photos taken from this site should be linked back to the source)</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div>recklessblisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09530528269888507923noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504024246918724412.post-92212775068374587072011-09-20T18:48:00.001-07:002011-09-20T18:48:12.901-07:00All Natural Tips and Tricks<p align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ATu8bQ3EukE/TnlCA4PqdzI/AAAAAAAAFWM/Hd1K1JKt4-Q/s1600-h/image%25255B50%25255D.png"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="image" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZIW--JdaIBQ/TnlCBzL3WVI/AAAAAAAAFWQ/efiGyvTIq-4/image_thumb%25255B20%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="500" height="357" /></a> I love reading about household items that can be used in different ways to save me from going out buying yet another product. I’ve found a ton of different tips people have posted about doing your beauty and household regimes naturally and easy so I’d like to share some of my favorite finds with you here:</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="7" face="Edwardian Script ITC">Beauty</font></u></strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xpd5xiMPc0g/TnlCCarumeI/AAAAAAAAFWU/ulx8JwuF7X0/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="image" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z3NYg_gGBGg/TnlCDMwBS2I/AAAAAAAAFWY/78Nhyt7MM3o/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="350" height="438" /></a>Soothing and anti-inflammatory, oatmeal contains beta glucan, a soluble fiber that creates a thin, moisture-retaining film on the surface of the skin. Place a handful of whole oats in a clean washcloth and use a rubber band to secure it. Next, immerse it in a sinkful of warm water and squeeze the bag four or five times. Once the water is cloudy, splash it on your face and then air-dry. (If you must towel dry, pat as gently as possible.)</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vrI_oYpCDoU/TnlCD7Yg62I/AAAAAAAAFWc/vrfGbKjkDWU/s1600-h/image%25255B5%25255D.png"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="image" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-66jFKojm5JM/TnlCEi_5edI/AAAAAAAAFWg/F_P5Vdl_Nyg/image_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="350" height="438" /></a> Rich in oil, walnuts make for extra-gentle sloughing. Blend 1/4 cup shelled walnuts, 1/2 cup olive oil (for extra emollients), and a tablespoon of honey (to seal moisture into your skin) in a food processor set on a slow speed, creating a fine-particle scrub. Standing in the shower (if you're scrubbing your feet) or over a sink (if it's for your hands), work the mixture thoroughly over your skin for a couple of minutes. Rinse with warm water.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-92VBjFATJqU/TnlCFCL0MeI/AAAAAAAAFWk/r8B_Yh75ANA/s1600-h/image%25255B56%25255D.png"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="image" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ayg729j76AM/TnlCFyHeXbI/AAAAAAAAFWo/HyAiO95bvfw/image_thumb%25255B24%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="350" height="438" /></a> The fruit acid loosens dead skin cells. Cut a fresh orange in half and squeeze the juice of one half into a bowl. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup olive oil and then blend into a moisture-rich scrub. Next, rub the exposed side of the other half of the orange over knees, elbows, heels, and any other dry spots. Last, rub in the sugar mixture to slough off dead skin. Rinse with warm water and pat skin dry. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ALW91jsibDs/TnlCGZbFkkI/AAAAAAAAFWs/I71NgoZ8Ja8/s1600-h/image%25255B11%25255D.png"><img style="display: inline" title="image" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6CRmrCYuHUM/TnlCHOQw11I/AAAAAAAAFWw/ChnG89svHHo/image_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="350" height="438" /></a> </p> <p align="center">The lactic acid in milk serves as a gentle skin exfoliant, while its natural fat content acts as a body moisturizer. Add a gallon of whole milk to a tubful of warm water and soak. It's a great alternative to sugar and salt scrubs, which may be too abrasive for people who suffer from eczema, psoriasis, or sensitive skin. If you prefer a fragranced bath, add 10 to 20 drops of an essential oil, such as lavender.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LzdjY5LRHmk/TnlCHiChisI/AAAAAAAAFW0/9eYf3LPuP6I/s1600-h/image%25255B57%25255D.png"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="image" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I4cGygmV6V0/TnlCIG6ZxVI/AAAAAAAAFW4/PB1fmq8b72E/image_thumb%25255B25%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="400" height="400" /></a> Toss your old used coffee grinds them in with your conditioner to make your hair extra shiny and use as normal. Pretty simple stuff eh? Another great conditioner tip is to replace conditioner with common white vinegar 1-4 times a month (depending on whether your hair is dry or oily)<strong> </strong>This helps get rid of build up and dullness and gives you a shiny mane.</p> <p align="center"><strong></strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dL_JzDY1JVM/TnlCIo1npzI/AAAAAAAAFW8/Y6JHYXu2NIc/s1600-h/image%25255B58%25255D.png"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="image" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZAW5LH73pbU/TnlCJRQvHBI/AAAAAAAAFXA/FGrXSxTvg84/image_thumb%25255B26%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="350" height="408" /></a> Tone and rebuild skin with avocados and carrots by combining 1 avocado, 1 cooked carrot, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 egg and 3 tablespoons of honey. Leave on for 10-20 minutes and then rinse. These ingredients add tons of vitamins, antioxidants and calcium to rebuild natural collagen, tone skin and remove age spots. Each natural element does more than any store-bought item can.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qokmdc6gP3M/TnlCKNi9FfI/AAAAAAAAFXE/mCw8R7mhyXI/s1600-h/image%25255B60%25255D.png"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="image" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2E90U-I2LwM/TnlCLFZaOLI/AAAAAAAAFXI/62nWC3yq4e0/image_thumb%25255B28%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="500" height="334" /></a> A lemon and egg facial<strong> </strong>removes the red splotches on your face. Soothe both symptoms away easily by mixing together one egg yolk and the juice of one lemon into a paste. Cover your face with it and leave it on overnight. If this seems like too much work, leave it on your face for an hour. You might not get the optimal results with this time, but you will see a difference.</p> <p align="center">   </p> <p align="center"><u><font size="7" face="Edwardian Script ITC">Household</font></u></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--JGgM4dYm5w/TnlCLgNcRoI/AAAAAAAAFXM/QEtSA9txJZQ/s1600-h/image%25255B61%25255D.png"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="image" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EfRd8WTcH74/TnlCMRzzmpI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/TVinZwdujfY/image_thumb%25255B29%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="400" height="476" /></a> Keep brown sugar soft by throwing in a marshmallow. Boom, done!</p> <p align="center">  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-K6uvMqFaIVc/TnlCNX96MdI/AAAAAAAAFXU/8WKIPWWVBVs/s1600-h/image%25255B26%25255D.png"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="image" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vFjI3hXpUJE/TnlCOI8OZLI/AAAAAAAAFXY/R5_taPUU9r4/image_thumb%25255B10%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="500" height="337" /></a> Use this method to clean sinks, toilet, tubs and tile: 1. Halve Grapefruit: 1 medium to large grapefruit will clean your entire bath or shower from top to bottom, including all the fixtures. Simply cut it in half with a knife and you'll be all set. 2. Sprinkle With Salt: Using 1 grapefruit half at a time, sprinkle liberally with salt. Wet your bathtub and sprinkle the remaining salt around the bottom. 3. Take That Scrubbing Bubbles!Scrub your grapefruit around your shower or tub, making sure to slightly "juice" the citrus over each fixture and lifting it every few seconds to pick up fresh salt from around the tub instead of just pushing it around. 4. Rinse: When all is said and done, simply rinse away the pulpy bits and the salt and your shower is as good as new.</p> <p align="center">  <p></p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--_B2FSSIxsA/TnlCPZHeRbI/AAAAAAAAFXc/WAIGMt_Iez0/s1600-h/image%25255B62%25255D.png"><font color="#000000"></font><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="image" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cd1MMXwU47k/TnlCQAR5MwI/AAAAAAAAFXg/vexgmKtogPU/image_thumb%25255B30%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="554" height="332" /></a> Use mayo to get rid of water ring left behind on wood surfaces.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-s_JvXFVAEQM/TnlCQ5-FxGI/AAAAAAAAFXk/04fCVmT0f0U/s1600-h/image%25255B63%25255D.png"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="image" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i3d8D5S9A_M/TnlCRdftQfI/AAAAAAAAFXo/TiRIj77yZe4/image_thumb%25255B31%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="396" height="300" /></a> Save yourself the nail chipping and time consuming effort of peeling up the end of the tape by using the bread bag clip to keep it ready for when you need it.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mBJacmScM3A/TnlCR5Q-AMI/AAAAAAAAFXs/mYPwG-gyBts/s1600-h/image%25255B64%25255D.png"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="image" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-37ncVqq9NtY/TnlCS-utmtI/AAAAAAAAFXw/8D7S7xFfEYg/image_thumb%25255B32%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="400" height="476" /></a>Save old shower caps to put your shoes in while packing a suitcase and protect your clothes from getting dirty.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LfarTOXEoHA/TnlCTZgYV_I/AAAAAAAAFX0/2U1GkVz26e4/s1600-h/image%25255B65%25255D.png"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="image" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rswtNddz1uY/TnlCT0v-xFI/AAAAAAAAFX4/OnrqDNP4YOo/image_thumb%25255B33%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="350" height="350" /></a> No more crying when you cut onions! This tip came thanks to watching the movie The Help last weekend and I was glad to hear it because I cry like a baby when I cut onions. All you have to do is put a matchstick between your teeth while you cut and you wont cry (unlit!) If you don’t have any on hand trying chewing gum. This works for some people too.</p> <p align="center">  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--otF4PRlkiA/TnlCUQ928qI/AAAAAAAAFX8/MwwmtS2w6V0/s1600-h/image%25255B66%25255D.png"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="image" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Y_b_j0kaV-Y/TnlCVAL5HHI/AAAAAAAAFYA/p0I7u9bVPSI/image_thumb%25255B34%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="400" height="242" /></a>  Soak a dryer sheet in with cookware that’s been burnt or has baked-on food in warm water. It makes the scrubbing far less work on you later. Also works on cook tops and dingy cabinet doors.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-F_pwzYYIDIc/TnlCV0zkalI/AAAAAAAAFYE/16n0IYMsSzU/s1600-h/image%25255B54%25255D.png"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="image" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6APNTgNDfss/TnlCWy9Bw4I/AAAAAAAAFYI/AeuEIZ-JSB4/image_thumb%25255B22%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="500" height="339" /></a> I’m always really impressed by these tips. It makes me feel so empowered to not buy into the latest nonsense product that companies put out. Give some of these a try and see how they work for you, I hope you have some success!</p> <p align="center">  </p> <p align="center"><font size="1">(Credits go to Martha Stewart, Inspiring Pretty, Anne Taintor,  Pinterest and Google Images)</font></p> recklessblisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09530528269888507923noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504024246918724412.post-27657211678770909162011-09-13T21:51:00.001-07:002011-09-13T21:53:53.425-07:00Falling For Fall<div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-f5r4G-_x2Fw/TnAyhcHdYuI/AAAAAAAAFUE/paUiqQGXLw8/s1600-h/image%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="361" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dYO_SU4G0yQ/TnAyiTv2g1I/AAAAAAAAFUI/zvVicZTF-MA/image_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="450" /></a> My absolute favorite season is Fall. I am completely in love with the colors and smells it has to offer. I also really adore decorating and dressing (and eating) for Fall so I’ve been trying to find some inspirational ideas to get myself into that harvest-lovin’ mood. Here’s some of the things that have been grabbing my attention lately:</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3JWLzI5mlR0/TnAyja_E6uI/AAAAAAAAFUM/v5Qm52ZOsY0/s1600-h/image%25255B17%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="416" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3-fnPjdHYZE/TnAykMWcuTI/AAAAAAAAFUQ/y33u35_yiBQ/image_thumb%25255B9%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /></a> </div><div align="center"><img alt="image" height="209" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bOPOcGY0kDE/TnAyk5wichI/AAAAAAAAFUU/96WDSf7a9yI/image_thumb%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /> </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zebL9pTE170/TnAyls2rh-I/AAAAAAAAFUY/wDlZUWNsMwI/s1600-h/image%25255B36%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="267" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JPjBMQgJIHw/TnAyl6lsaeI/AAAAAAAAFUc/3Xk65Lhj870/image_thumb%25255B18%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="400" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Hs5pCSXZFGI/TnAymqPFJmI/AAAAAAAAFUg/S_a4FOa612o/s1600-h/image%25255B25%25255D.png"> </a></div><div align="center"><img alt="image" height="467" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--bMzixispk8/TnAynZnkFmI/AAAAAAAAFUk/1RYo2NRWIYw/image_thumb%25255B13%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="350" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7iZgKgv1Sc8/TnAyn-wPM3I/AAAAAAAAFUo/CPA_U8zRG78/s1600-h/image%25255B54%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="333" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EfsOo7g6_aY/TnAyomVmxcI/AAAAAAAAFUs/XM5PeJy_62Q/image_thumb%25255B28%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: inline;" title="image" width="500" /></a> </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W9YXT3PnvO0/TnAypO_MezI/AAAAAAAAFUw/g-StPaWIFDc/s1600-h/image%25255B29%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="525" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Wb4ir0jwZf8/TnAyp1fBskI/AAAAAAAAFU0/4VsHBMarXuM/image_thumb%25255B15%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="350" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wKoT4frcTBQ/TnAyq9xdOJI/AAAAAAAAFU4/Af_0IHxdV54/s1600-h/image%25255B63%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="600" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iYNMmvmVUwc/TnAyrqWuVZI/AAAAAAAAFU8/QMdKVaOEVhM/image_thumb%25255B33%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img alt="image" height="425" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pXaTXYLBR38/TnAysS0roBI/AAAAAAAAFVA/-3q0jJWhiRg/image_thumb%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="425" /></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_MDF4bmiyqI/TnAytGNq0xI/AAAAAAAAFVE/v7wTJ3hmdFc/s1600-h/image%25255B48%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="334" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wHI3-YxRvsQ/TnAyt71To-I/AAAAAAAAFVI/yr0dS7G7MC8/image_thumb%25255B24%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5uDQS0EV65I/TnAyutt5rWI/AAAAAAAAFVM/jF6Dyu08sTM/s1600-h/image%25255B59%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="629" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-b1SGIuNI7Kw/TnAyvt9Gh5I/AAAAAAAAFVQ/IwrRX0pNq9I/image_thumb%25255B31%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D1ufrwfl8zg/TnAywCuJNTI/AAAAAAAAFVU/1UCWqct_QQE/s1600-h/image%25255B49%25255D.png"><span style="color: #25beb7;"></span><img alt="image" height="448" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Iygih2GDs8s/TnAyxK2AVtI/AAAAAAAAFVY/4ICYXavzQUk/image_thumb%25255B25%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="475" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z7iUxByO3WM/TnAyxjopz5I/AAAAAAAAFVc/lMz82twzdLg/s1600-h/image%25255B67%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="500" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Qi8gVGgWL_w/TnAyyRoRwVI/AAAAAAAAFVg/XnU23SEVSH0/image_thumb%25255B35%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="400" /></a> <br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vzQhIFNK1ZQ/TnAyy2Uv53I/AAAAAAAAFVk/sdTTQyNdD0A/s1600-h/image%25255B21%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="467" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GbdS5kUufEM/TnAyzjz51-I/AAAAAAAAFVo/2783jdbZlAc/image_thumb%25255B11%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="350" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aLgRQi7QJ6M/TnAy0ALp2VI/AAAAAAAAFVs/moaMauIBvHs/s1600-h/image%25255B32%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="333" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l1vmScVGMb4/TnAy0jmMgmI/AAAAAAAAFVw/Vc2kt2wASQ0/image_thumb%25255B16%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="300" /></a> <br />
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</div><div align="center"><img alt="image" height="525" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PrzhYLT3FOM/TnAy2L2DOUI/AAAAAAAAFV4/jd1COGBKFDo/image_thumb%25255B21%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="359" /> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-q9jrLDbyxVA/TnAy2x8exMI/AAAAAAAAFV8/vVhxQcINUGA/s1600-h/image%25255B71%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="575" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vu60_gWCBRg/TnAy3i926tI/AAAAAAAAFWA/emT-0gpeVsE/image_thumb%25255B37%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="383" /></a>I’ve hauled all my fall decorations out of hiding and have been working away at making my house look the part for the season. I’ll be posting some pics soon of how it all looks once the job is completed to my satisfaction. </div><div align="center">Do you decorate when the seasons change? What sorts of things do you put up for Autumn?</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Photo credit Pinterest* </span></div>recklessblisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09530528269888507923noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504024246918724412.post-57796340987986544662011-09-11T21:38:00.001-07:002011-09-11T21:39:33.156-07:00-Snapshot Of The Week-<div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fJedowmhAZc/Tm2MwWuTOeI/AAAAAAAAFT8/9OvhRKth93M/s1600-h/image%25255B8%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="588" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-liPtr59W6zg/Tm2Mw7rblhI/AAAAAAAAFUA/1YG-35n1rAU/image_thumb%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /></a>“You have to make peace with yourself. The key is to find the harmony in what you have.”</div><div align="center">-Ms Naomi Watts</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Picture credit Pinterest*</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=reckle0e-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000NOIX48&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe> <iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=reckle0e-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0001CNRRU&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe> <iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=reckle0e-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B001EIOOWC&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span></div>recklessblisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09530528269888507923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504024246918724412.post-48916927845569576032011-09-07T01:25:00.000-07:002011-09-08T01:32:49.853-07:00Ornate Frame DIY<div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Z-esnY_bp7w/Tmh8SEsKFcI/AAAAAAAAFSE/A3XxdrFvDH4/s1600-h/DSC08996%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08996" height="333" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VrXaY3HNzRI/Tmh8S4cpExI/AAAAAAAAFSI/4PPr5tCWIeU/DSC08996_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC08996" width="500" /></a>My sweet dear old mama decided she wanted to do some redecorating at her house and wanted to toss out these spiffy (and outdated) pictures. Before they met their end I snatched them up and told her I had big plans to re-vamp these babies. That was sort of half true…</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lI8X5QoMqvU/Tmh8ZG-GxII/AAAAAAAAFSM/mQDMUX4RY_0/s1600-h/DSC08990%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08990" height="677" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LvYlNmxzajk/Tmh8cXW0qpI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/O5F8B025O7k/DSC08990_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC08990" width="450" /></a>She got them from my grandma’s house after her passing. They do have a very antique-y baroque look to them that does sort of say, “To grandmother’s house we go!”</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-c0XcgaXd_nM/Tmh8fu2zVbI/AAAAAAAAFSU/iCRRdUEObMA/s1600-h/DSC08998%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08998" height="677" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XGUwNcHYw9Y/Tmh8hadItLI/AAAAAAAAFSY/cYcgPnYu5r8/DSC08998_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC08998" width="450" /></a>I’m not saying they’re ugly or anything; I’m sure in the right setting they would fit right in. However, that setting is not in my house. But as I was saying, I had big plans in my head for these guys. I do have plants to give them a fresh new look but past that point I’m hitting a dead-end.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e3kAWhEzBz4/Tmh8oscSJEI/AAAAAAAAFSc/nL8gK9b7BR8/s1600-h/DSC08993%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08993" height="333" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vdmvhVXSZfA/Tmh8qA1PNQI/AAAAAAAAFSg/SLozr8qkKxk/DSC08993_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC08993" width="500" /></a> I thought they had really nice details and would make a very dainty touch to a girly girl’s room like mine.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4UHs8E4nhLo/Tmh8t6QkxSI/AAAAAAAAFSk/b9w_yscIt3w/s1600-h/DSC08995%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08995" height="333" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-g14TnBmRwJM/Tmh8uNfgnfI/AAAAAAAAFSo/3LMIV_OfhuQ/DSC08995_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC08995" width="500" /></a>That is to say, after some major elbow grease to scrub off the 20 plus years of accumulated gunk built up. Cue the Q-tips and rubbing alcohol.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sgZHRnyvv3g/Tmh8zshxvCI/AAAAAAAAFSs/3NEKp3b8wvA/s1600-h/DSC09002%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09002" height="677" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GB9XKUUU8rs/Tmh80OImifI/AAAAAAAAFSw/ghbeOKUBntQ/DSC09002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09002" width="450" /></a>I did feel a little hesitant to tear into these suckers. They put in so many years of hard work decorating lovely ladies spaces. But then I got over it…</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--a84-rz8tYM/Tmh86Gkg26I/AAAAAAAAFS0/umabnJYqve0/s1600-h/DSC09000%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09000" height="333" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uXMUIXmjePg/Tmh8_bIdsVI/AAAAAAAAFS4/o61p5pc4w-k/DSC09000_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09000" width="500" /></a>After some prying and splinters and a little bit of banging on the ugly carpet floor, I managed to remove the ‘painted’ canvas from the gold frame. Right after this I spray painted my little heart out. After a few coats of an ivory white I got this:</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0loFXrzQor8/Tmh9CIrecKI/AAAAAAAAFS8/BY4tKR7dNpM/s1600-h/DSC09243%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09243" height="677" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Vefga_zpQ7s/Tmh9CnIsFII/AAAAAAAAFTA/ec6cM7Pm82Q/DSC09243_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC09243" width="450" /></a> So cute right? I managed to get the dainty girl look I was hoping for. Success! But going to my original point. ‘What to do now? What to do now?’ Maybe you guys can help me out in some kind of vote or advice, I’ll take what I can get.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">So far these are some of the DIY ideas that I’m digging. Some of them would need tweaking to fit my frames but I’m using these images as inspiration for the final product:</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EId8_-Sq2Tk/Tmh9D1FmGzI/AAAAAAAAFTE/KlB5GV2xbmQ/s1600-h/image%25255B21%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="675" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PnULQHLSKzg/Tmh9E22XdGI/AAAAAAAAFTI/zFpTcvgHuSY/image_thumb%25255B7%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="450" /></a>Cute canvas look with a DIY’ed fabric flower</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AWC15371zNs/Tmh9F1sWK0I/AAAAAAAAFTM/44YK0qKSpyg/s1600-h/image%25255B22%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="564" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Shh5hqiHWqU/Tmh9GwDI3xI/AAAAAAAAFTQ/AKRyycakHsE/image_thumb%25255B8%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /></a>Canvas with a family letter or some other meaningful symbol</div><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-l24BE1zNOYo/Tmh9KRGiHzI/AAAAAAAAFTU/ZBjXfXWOTh0/s1600-h/image%25255B24%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="560" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K9OvekYNIG8/Tmh9MNRdlEI/AAAAAAAAFTY/xJXcONOSXmc/image_thumb%25255B10%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /></a><br />
<div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Using them as 3-D frames to show cases items rather than pictures</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-x-U8AWK3hhk/Tmh9PXKaVrI/AAAAAAAAFTc/74GlHVVUsFk/s1600-h/image%25255B26%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="314" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TvvivdF7Jws/Tmh9QGFmtxI/AAAAAAAAFTg/xTi9xbih4L4/image_thumb%25255B12%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4rVMZ2HKW3M/Tmh9U3zpbcI/AAAAAAAAFTk/AHat_IBmFl8/s1600-h/image%25255B25%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="546" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tgW4cFXMFL8/Tmh9YUKKoOI/AAAAAAAAFTo/dW5h3zpzCRk/image_thumb%25255B11%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="450" /></a> Bulletin board frame</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-moqJ0RE4Lhs/Tmh9ZHSInaI/AAAAAAAAFTs/p56w_ND6SVk/s1600-h/image%25255B28%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="375" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Hk3XSuVYuME/Tmh9dCSiyFI/AAAAAAAAFTw/vpV1CE72M2A/image_thumb%25255B14%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="500" /></a> Chalkboard frame</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JpVEI_xlrfM/Tmh9f7TfvEI/AAAAAAAAFT0/IJasJZr9RHU/s1600-h/image%25255B29%25255D.png"><img alt="image" height="359" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vTo4qemDjRA/Tmh9glrGCNI/AAAAAAAAFT4/OtBUHBuWLo0/image_thumb%25255B15%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="400" /></a> Simple look of empty frames on a shelf</div> <br />
<div align="center">So what do you guys think? Any winner ideas in the bunch or is there some other fabulous project I’m missing out on completely? I’m anxious to get these purdy frames back in action. Share your thoughts!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Photo credit Reckless Bliss and Pinterest*</span></div>recklessblisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09530528269888507923noreply@blogger.com3