tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16070476561140579762024-03-13T22:34:28.047-07:00Sugar and SpiceModern Organic LivingSugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.comBlogger464125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1607047656114057976.post-4245605958986979912014-05-14T09:49:00.000-07:002014-05-14T09:49:39.190-07:00Oh the VanityAs of this month, we've officially owned our home for two years!! 28 more years of our mortgage!?<br />
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We've been hosting lots and lots of folks, and last Sunday was the first time in almost 4 weeks that we had a family day to relax. The Mister and I were talking about how the longer we settle in, the longer we want to stay. My parents still live in the home that I was brought home from the hospital, while J's parents moved around a lot more. Most notably, when he was 10. Unless we relocate out of wine country, I just don't see us moving for another 7-8 years, and even then, we are getting really attached to our little neighborhood (and pool).<br />
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So all that to say, we have super long term plans to gut, remodel, upgrade- the whole sha-bang. But until then, we are doing a lot of in-progress/make it work/do with whatya got stuff.<br />
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While I am not really blogging these days, I do love the idea of an annual house tour to show you all my little projects from the year. Please note- a few are DIY fails, so don't look too close at anything. Here's my latest and greatest- upgrading the bathrooms by painting the vanities. The last time I showed the bathrooms was back in <a href="http://sugarspiceliving.blogspot.com/2012/08/house-updates-bathrooms.html">August 2012</a>! <br />
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Let's start with the before pictures. Kid/ Guest bath:<br />
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This tan/yellow was on every wall in the house and the linoleum was yellowing where the glue was:<br />
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Sliding glass doors are a Mother's worst enemy- bath time was painful:<br />
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More blah: <br />
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The master, same blah. But this time with a mullet. Carpet in the front, linoleum in the back. PARTY! </div>
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If you remember when we moved in, we immediately redid the floors, which was the perfect decision. Everything else was usable, but the floors felt like a gym locker room- I DID not want to have to wear shower shoes to feel comfortable in my own house. We choose <a href="http://www.tileshop.com/product/productdetail.aspx?familyID=1147&recordID=347581">hex while glossy tiles </a>form the tiles shop for both bathrooms- bought during a Memorial Day sale. I debated doing marble in the master, but alas, this thing called a budget got in the way. We had them professionally done for just over $1,000 for both. <br />
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Would I change my decision? No. Maybe I would have done <a href="http://www.tileshop.com/product/productdetail.aspx?familyID=434&recordID=352250">matte instead of gloss or larger 2-inch hexs</a>, but overall, I love looking at my tile with gray grout every day!!<br />
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Ok, so on to the afters- or upgrades. <br />
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Progress 2012:<br />
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Wall colors: Vanity area: <a href="http://www.behr.com/consumer/ColorDetailView/730E-2">Silent Spring Behr,</a> Shower area: <a href="http://www.behr.com/consumer/ColorDetailView/730E-3">River Rock Behr</a>. <br />
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Inspiration for the Guest/Kid bathroom: <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-US9zE9la81M/U3EHthFc4eI/AAAAAAAAIpQ/gHyqSS5Ttfk/s1600/Guest+Bath+Vanity.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-US9zE9la81M/U3EHthFc4eI/AAAAAAAAIpQ/gHyqSS5Ttfk/s1600/Guest+Bath+Vanity.png" height="518" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was advised by some great ladies to skip the green. So I created a <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/karenw/bathrooms/">pinterest board</a>. I wish this picture was less yellow, but here's what I ended up with: <br />
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Not quite done. I'd like to add pulls- like <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/66991113181969387/">THIS</a> picture. <br />
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Master Pre-paint Vanity:<br />
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2014 After: <br />
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The paint still needs some touch up, but over all I am soo in love with the color that I used it in both bathrooms. It's Dunn Edwards, <a href="https://www.jefflewiscolor.com/shop/atlantic/">Jeff Lewis Atlantic</a>. It's gorgeous. <br />
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I'd say bother are a pretty great upgrade, no? The only real money we put into the bathrooms have been: the floors, the master vanity knobs, the hooks, paint and new shower heads. So much better, but still a work in progress!! <br />
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Oh, and please don't forget:<br />
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Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1607047656114057976.post-36217251637076843232014-02-24T13:33:00.001-08:002014-02-24T13:33:49.060-08:00Ikeahack Learning Tower Fail to Win(ish) for a Beginner Hi Lovelies, for my favorite Mama's I am writing a review of the Ikeahack Learning Tower!!<br />
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As you all know, I have champagne tastes (hence why I married a wine guy), BUT on a bud light budget. So I am was all over the Ikeahack learning tower!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/03/lucys-learning-tower.html#prDeLGLUPTgJpWs6.32">Here's</a> the one I used!!<br />
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Totally adorable, no?? <br />
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I must preface this post- <i><b>I HAVE NEVER BUILT ANYTHING IN MY LIFE</b></i>. I can paint a room, hang some pictures, use a staple gun, even kinda use a drill, and am GREAT at 'building' ikea stuff, but that's about it. Aka, I am <b>100% a beginner. </b><br />
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After an awesome trip to Ikea with a 2 year old. No really, it was awesome- we pretty much let her run and jump on anything that couldn't kill her and had a great lunch and ice cream cone:<br />
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On President's day, I dutifully wrote down all the dimensions that I needed and took them to Home Depot to get it cut. In black are the instructions straight from the <a href="http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/09/learning-tower-with-bekvam-stool.html">Ikeahack blog</a>. In <b><span style="color: red;">RED</span></b> are my beginner comments/issues. <br />
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The four posts are <b>1.5″ x 1.5″ x 17″</b> (cut four) – *** but I suggest
that you place the stool by your counter to make sure that the height of
the tower will not exceed the height of the counter if you use our
measurements. Therefore adjust the height of these posts according to
your counter height.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">So, 17" high was perfect for our counters. But I couldn't find any 1.5" x 1.5" so I bought 1.75" x 1.75" thinking it would still work great!! </span><br />
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<span style="color: red;">- We used the same 1.5″ x 1.5″ wood for the sides as rails in the centre of the tower – 7″ long (cut two) </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">- The other rails are all 3/4″ x 3.5″ wood. The side rails on the top
measure 9 7/8″ (cut two). The back rails measure 15″ (cut two). </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">- Our dowel (5/8″ diameter) on the front measures 16 3/8″ and goes
through all the layers of wood on the ends – *** but I suggest that you
only drill holes in the posts (1.5″ x 1.5″ x 17″), then thread the dowel
through to both ends and then attach the side rails which will cover
the holes – in this case, your dowel should be 14 7/8″ long (cut one) </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">My husband used a combination of 1 1/2 wood screws and 2 1/2 wood screws… </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Begin by drilling holes (5/8″) through two of the posts, 1 1/2″ down from the top of the posts. </span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /><span>Read more at <a href="http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/03/lucys-learning-tower.html#jelVrymicFOvwJX2.99">http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/03/lucys-learning-tower.html#jelVrymicFOvwJX2.99</a></span></span><div id="r1PostCPBlock" style="background-color: white; border: medium none; left: -99999px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: red;">
The four posts are 1.5″ x 1.5″ x 17″ (cut four) – *** but I suggest
that you place the stool by your counter to make sure that the height of
the tower will not exceed the height of the counter if you use our
measurements. Therefore adjust the height of these posts according to
your counter height. </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">- We used the same 1.5″ x 1.5″ wood for the sides as rails in the centre of the tower – 7″ long (cut two) </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">- The other rails are all 3/4″ x 3.5″ wood. The side rails on the top
measure 9 7/8″ (cut two). The back rails measure 15″ (cut two). </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">- Our dowel (5/8″ diameter) on the front measures 16 3/8″ and goes
through all the layers of wood on the ends – *** but I suggest that you
only drill holes in the posts (1.5″ x 1.5″ x 17″), then thread the dowel
through to both ends and then attach the side rails which will cover
the holes – in this case, your dowel should be 14 7/8″ long (cut one) </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">My husband used a combination of 1 1/2 wood screws and 2 1/2 wood screws… </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Begin by drilling holes (5/8″) through two of the posts, 1 1/2″ down from the top of the posts. </span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /><span>Read more at <a href="http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/03/lucys-learning-tower.html#jelVrymicFOvwJX2.99">http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/03/lucys-learning-tower.html#jelVrymicFOvwJX2.99</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-
We used the same 1.5″ x 1.5″ wood for the sides as rails in the centre of the tower
– 7″ long (cut two) </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Fail #1: Because my wood was 1.75 NOT 1.5- I should have adjusted the length of the center wood. This forced me to use a hand saw (again I am a beginner with no fancy wood cutting equiptment). This part sucked- and caused these pieces to be rough/totally cockeyed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-
The other rails are all 3/4″ x 3.5″ wood. The side rails on the top measure 9
7/8″ (cut two). The back rails measure 15″ (cut two). </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In my opinion, 3.5-inches is pretty wide. Therefore, I bought 2.5" wide and it seems just fine!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Fail #2: The Home Depot guy didn't cut the top side rails at 9 7/8" more like 8 7/8"- I guess I should have measured them before I bought them!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Fail #3: Another Beginner Confession: At my Home Depot, the wood I bought was priced PER linear food- not priced per piece. While still only $2ish a foot- I thought I was getting the whole 8-foot long piece for $2ish. So that signficiantly upped the price. If I had know this, I would have bought the cheaper wood. I ended up with birch which was the middle of the road pricewise. (PS the 1.75" x 1.75" wood was priced per 8-foot long piece NOT per foot- so not sure what causes the difference. Next time, I'll look closer to the pricing labels.)</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: red;">Fail #4: DO NOT buy two back rails measuring 15" wide. As you can see in the pic below from <a href="http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/09/learning-tower-with-bekvam-stool.html">Ikeahacker</a>, the top back rail (with the blue arrow) also goes across the top side rail. Therefore, the top back rail needs to be 15-inches wide, while the bottom back rail needs to be less. I don't know what this width is- I realized that mine was too wide, so I decided to just skip the need for the back bottom rail. I think this works for me because I have a 2 year old kid- who is pretty self aware- you may want this rail for a younger kiddo. </span></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-psnx6cmF89M/Uwusr9Ez7WI/AAAAAAAAInU/eqUOe7JpZOc/s1600/IkeaHack.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-psnx6cmF89M/Uwusr9Ez7WI/AAAAAAAAInU/eqUOe7JpZOc/s1600/IkeaHack.png" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> -
Our dowel (5/8″ diameter) on the front measures 16 3/8″ and goes through all
the layers of wood on the ends – *** but I suggest that you only drill holes in
the posts (1.5″ x 1.5″ x 17″), then thread the dowel through to both ends and
then attach the side rails which will cover the holes – in this case, your
dowel should be 14 7/8″ long (cut one) </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Fail #5: As a newbie, the only drill bits that I have came in a handy yellow set (see pic below). Thus, I do not own a 5/8" diameter drill bit. While I bought the 14 7/8" long, 5/8 round dowel, I could only make a 3/8 inch whole. Thus, a big fail. I <i>could have </i>gone a bought the right drill bit, but realized that again with an older kid, I didn't need the back dowel piece. As you can see in the pic below, I did attempt to make a 5/8" whole with my 3/8" drill bid- so yes, I have a big empty whole in one piece of wood. Another reason no one should look closely at my finished tower. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">And since I am sharing Fail #6: Being a newbie driller- I successfully stripped two screws in the process and that <b>SUCKED</b>. Big time. See the stripped screw below. This forced me to abandon the project for a week, feel really bad about myself, and have a couple cocktails to console myself! </span></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GO2Zxh5xK1I/Uwu1KcqP9JI/AAAAAAAAInw/qTDmfPb49YE/s1600/ikeahack1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GO2Zxh5xK1I/Uwu1KcqP9JI/AAAAAAAAInw/qTDmfPb49YE/s1600/ikeahack1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
So those are my fails and what I'd do next time. I've yet to actually finish this project- I still need to prime and paint. Still trying to decide on a color- suggestions??<br />
<br />
Here's my win-ish tower in use for the first time yesterday while making popcorn with Dad!!<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HleXwCLxpAw/Uwu1N3GirnI/AAAAAAAAIn4/EuJQSIpM1-w/s1600/ikeahack3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HleXwCLxpAw/Uwu1N3GirnI/AAAAAAAAIn4/EuJQSIpM1-w/s1600/ikeahack3.jpg" height="640" width="480" /> </a></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Please note: Fail #1.5: See Hubby's knee area- the rail is not all the way on the edge of the step due to Fail #1. C'est la vie. </span></div>
<br />
And if you want to follow me in 'real time' here's<a href="http://instagram.com/p/kxf8qzm6b5/"> yesterday's instagram</a> post: Ikeahack by Mom, popcorn by Dad, and selfie with scabbed up nose by Sugar Bear (and tired puppy for good measure). Follow me @sugarspicelivin <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DVUIu9tgWks/Uwu1RvfKfiI/AAAAAAAAIoI/bBqjQcEl5-I/s1600/ikeahack4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DVUIu9tgWks/Uwu1RvfKfiI/AAAAAAAAIoI/bBqjQcEl5-I/s1600/ikeahack4.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
PS no kid was harmed in the making of this tower and no counters were cleaned to make this blog presentable.<br />
<br />
PPS I only shed a drop or two of blood in the making of this tower!! Seriously, I did slice my right middle finger and currently have a bandaid on it- apropos no? <br />
<div id="r1PostCPBlock" style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; left: -99999px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
-
The four posts are 1.5″ x 1.5″ x 17″ (cut four) – *** but I suggest
that you place the stool by your counter to make sure that the height of
the tower will not exceed the height of the counter if you use our
measurements. Therefore adjust the height of these posts according to
your counter height. <br />
- We used the same 1.5″ x 1.5″ wood for the sides as rails in the centre of the tower – 7″ long (cut two) <br />
- The other rails are all 3/4″ x 3.5″ wood. The side rails on the top
measure 9 7/8″ (cut two). The back rails measure 15″ (cut two). <br />
- Our dowel (5/8″ diameter) on the front measures 16 3/8″ and goes
through all the layers of wood on the ends – *** but I suggest that you
only drill holes in the posts (1.5″ x 1.5″ x 17″), then thread the dowel
through to both ends and then attach the side rails which will cover
the holes – in this case, your dowel should be 14 7/8″ long (cut one) <br />
My husband used a combination of 1 1/2 wood screws and 2 1/2 wood screws… <br />
Begin by drilling holes (5/8″) through two of the posts, 1 1/2″ down from the top of the posts. <br />
<br /><span>Read more at <a href="http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/03/lucys-learning-tower.html#jelVrymicFOvwJX2.99" style="color: #003399;">http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/03/lucys-learning-tower.html#jelVrymicFOvwJX2.99</a></span></div>
<div id="r1PostCPBlock" style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; left: -99999px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
The
four posts are 1.5″ x 1.5″ x 17″ (cut four) – *** but I suggest that
you place the stool by your counter to make sure that the height of the
tower will not exceed the height of the counter if you use our
measurements. Therefore adjust the height of these posts according to
your counter height. <br />
- We used the same 1.5″ x 1.5″ wood for the sides as rails in the centre of the tower – 7″ long (cut two) <br />
- The other rails are all 3/4″ x 3.5″ wood. The side rails on the top
measure 9 7/8″ (cut two). The back rails measure 15″ (cut two). <br />
- Our dowel (5/8″ diameter) on the front measures 16 3/8″ and goes
through all the layers of wood on the ends – *** but I suggest that you
only drill holes in the posts (1.5″ x 1.5″ x 17″), then thread the dowel
through to both ends and then attach the side rails which will cover
the holes – in this case, your dowel should be 14 7/8″ long (cut one) <br />
My husband used a combination of 1 1/2 wood screws and 2 1/2 wood screws… <br />
Begin by drilling holes (5/8″) through two of the posts, 1 1/2″ down from the top of the posts. <br />
<br /><span>Read more at <a href="http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/03/lucys-learning-tower.html#jelVrymicFOvwJX2.99" style="color: #003399;">http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/03/lucys-learning-tower.html#jelVrymicFOvwJX2.99</a></span><div id="r1PostCPBlock" style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; left: -99999px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
The
four posts are 1.5″ x 1.5″ x 17″ (cut four) – *** but I suggest that
you place the stool by your counter to make sure that the height of the
tower will not exceed the height of the counter if you use our
measurements. Therefore adjust the height of these posts according to
your counter height. <br />
- We used the same 1.5″ x 1.5″ wood for the sides as rails in the centre of the tower – 7″ long (cut two) <br />
- The other rails are all 3/4″ x 3.5″ wood. The side rails on the top
measure 9 7/8″ (cut two). The back rails measure 15″ (cut two). <br />
- Our dowel (5/8″ diameter) on the front measures 16 3/8″ and goes
through all the layers of wood on the ends – *** but I suggest that you
only drill holes in the posts (1.5″ x 1.5″ x 17″), then thread the dowel
through to both ends and then attach the side rails which will cover
the holes – in this case, your dowel should be 14 7/8″ long (cut one) <br />
My husband used a combination of 1 1/2 wood screws and 2 1/2 wood screws… <br />
Begin by drilling holes (5/8″) through two of the posts, 1 1/2″ down from the top of the posts. <br />
<br /><span>Read more at <a href="http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/03/lucys-learning-tower.html#jelVrymicFOvwJX2.99" style="color: #003399;">http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/03/lucys-learning-tower.html#jelVrymicFOvwJX2.99</a></span></div>
</div>
Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1607047656114057976.post-35880991166857858402014-01-22T13:30:00.000-08:002014-01-22T13:30:59.078-08:00#weverb14: Day 10 through 16So behind, but determined to make it through this weVERB14<br />
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Day 10: <a href="http://www.weverb14.com/2014/01/10-support/">Support</a>, how did you volunteer this year? What will you do in 2014?<br />
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Well, shucks. I don't volunteer. I did a few things with Sugar Bear's daycare, but sigh, those were just small little things.<br />
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I wish I could say that I am determined to volunteer more, but really, that would be a lie. Not sure how to do this one with a straight face.<br />
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Perhaps the only way to get through this one is to focus on the word itself. SUPPORT. I pledge to support my family in 2014. I have already been <i>supporting</i> the Hubby both physically and mentally to get a new job this year. And of course, I do my best as a Mom to <i>support </i>Sugar Bear as she grows and changes. I hear-<i> I do it Mama</i>!!! All the time!! I really want to let her explore and discover to her hearts content- even if that means climbing trees and skinning knees!<br />
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Day 11: <a href="http://www.weverb14.com/2014/01/11-fortify/">Fortify</a>, What personal strengths will you use this year that you developed in 2013?<br />
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Again, being a Mom of a strong willed toddler, I started to dive into the different parenting techniques to help guide us both through the Tremendous Twos! I can't wait to get my hands on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-Talk-Kids-Will-Listen/dp/1451663889">this book</a>. I know there are no perfect parenting techniques, but I hope to <i>fortify </i>my parenting skills as my baby turns into a little girl!!<br />
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Day 12: <a href="http://www.weverb14.com/2014/01/12-savor/">Savor</a>, What was your favorite food item/ingredient in 2013? What do you want to eat more and less of in 2014?<br />
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My favorite meal of 2013 was sushi at <a href="http://www.morimotonapa.com/">Morimoto</a> Napa- including seeing Morimoto!! Gah. So freaking good. That said, when I don't have a 2 year old sitting on my lap or pulling on me for attention, I find that I savor those meals both before and after they happen. Before because I have to plan to have a babysitter and I am able to cherish the idea of a meal to relax and enjoy myself. After because I love thinking about my life outside of being a mom and being my OWN person- even if it is only for one meal at a time!!<br />
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And so I don't come off as completely selfish, I really savor EVERY meal my husband makes- which is at least 70% of all the cooking done in our house. I savor not having to cook, I savor eating a meal at our dining table as a family, and I savor having an AMAZING husband that cooks AMAZING meals!!<br />
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Day 13: <a href="http://www.weverb14.com/2014/01/13-cultivate/">Cultivate</a>, What creativity or talent did you cultivate in 2013? What do you want to enhance this year?<br />
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I spent a lot of time this year doing projects around our house to 'spruce it up' with little or no cost. As of today, I have a plan to spend a month or two on various thing around our house to continue to spruce things up. Most of my projects require a bit of paint and elbow grease. Some require real planning and research. I am already excited to dive into these projects. Again, this goes back to my 2013 year of putting down roots and making our house a home! <br />
<br />
Most exciting- thinking about surprising Sugar Bear with a big girl room at the end of the year!!! Ekkk. I'll have a big girl!! I am already savoring the joy!!<br />
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Day 14: <a href="http://www.weverb14.com/2014/01/14-share/">Share</a>, You’ve been asked to give a 2-minute presentation on “my biggest lesson
of 2013″ to a group of friends/colleges/family members/etc. Use any
medium you’d like to share.<br />
<br />
As I've said, 2013 was about growing roots for me. About enjoying the things around me. The spaces and the people. When going through my <a href="http://instagram.com/karenstephaniew">instagram</a> account I realize it is just that- the spaces I inhabit and my family!! Perfect medium to share how I grew my roots!!<br />
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Day 15: <a href="http://www.weverb14.com/2014/01/15-emulate/">Emulate</a>, Is there someone you want to emulate in 2014? Why and how?<br />
<br />
I feel like this should be someone large- like Nelson Mandela or the spectacular First Lady. But I am currently knee deep in a book I thought I would hate- <a href="http://www.gretchenrubin.com/books/the-happiness-project/about-the-book/">The Happiness Project</a> by <a href="http://www.gretchenrubin.com/">Gretchen Rubin</a>.<br />
<br />
This year started out lame with my Husband's identity being stolen. We are STILL dealing with this DAILY! It's been an huge issue. I didn't want to dwell on all the sucky, so I reached out to find something - anything really that would allow me to focus on the happy. So far #weverb14, The Happiness Project, and <a href="http://www.happify.com/">Happify</a> have really helped me feel inherently happier. <br />
<br />
So while I am not sure I will do a FULL Happiness Project, I am going to take some of Gretchen Rubin's projects!! I truly thought I wouldn't relate to an upper Westside Mom, but the reality
is- the book and her projects have NOTHING to do with money. I am lucky
enough to say that I can relate to and implement so many of her small changes.<br />
<br />
Day 16: <a href="http://www.weverb14.com/2014/01/16-watch/">Watch</a>, What movie(s) did you see in 2013 that you would recommend to a friend to watch?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1727388/">The Way Way Back</a>. I loved (and hated) all the characters. I almost found myself yelling at the screen!! Plus, their is heart and I am pretty sure I cried.<br />
<br />Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1607047656114057976.post-26498318572254544912014-01-13T15:23:00.000-08:002014-01-13T15:24:45.766-08:00#weVERB14: Capture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last year I captured a thousand moments, and the good news I was able to capture some amazing moments:</div>
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Hugs:<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WGLr4wkIdXc/Us9-JZE-BoI/AAAAAAAAIls/G9xeYoLzcXQ/s1600/Hazelhug.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></div>
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The Ocean:<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dL8PpS3A2s4/Us9-M0rflgI/AAAAAAAAIl0/vJ4wD6WZfr4/s1600/IMG_2278.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></div>
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Vacationing with friends and babies:<br /><br />
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Running:<br />
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Hiding: <br />
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Exploring:<br />
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Trouble-making:<br />
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Growing:<br />
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Climbing: <br />
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Wondering:<br />
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Gah. I hope to capture amazing moments like these and a million more this year. BUT I also want to work on living on the moment, so perhaps not always having my phone on hand to get that PERFECT picture, but rather live in the moment. Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1607047656114057976.post-28013443847838759162014-01-09T15:17:00.003-08:002014-01-09T15:17:55.659-08:00Day 7-9: WeVERB14If you missed the <a href="http://sugarspiceliving.blogspot.com/2014/01/weverb2014.html">first post</a>, I am doing #weVERB14 this year. Loving it so far. I am skipping #6 for now, so here's week 2.... And I apologize, I feel like this is turning into (or always has been) an internal dialog to celebrate the last year and feel grateful for the new year!? <br />
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Day 7: <a href="http://www.weverb14.com/2014/01/7-send/">Send</a>, what is the best thing you sent in 2013? What will you send in 2014?<br />
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<i>It's funny, this prompt seems so boastful and selfish. It feels like a self proclamation- I am such a super friend that I gave great things?? But at the same time, it's reminding me that I really do get joy out of sending gifts to folks!! Thus, adding that to my 2014 list- send gifts/cards/thank yous/notes of love, etc. </i><br />
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I really do love sending packages- I may bitch and moan about postage, but I get super gleeful (is that a word??) at myself when I think about the person opening the package at the other end!<br />
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My favorite package that I sent was a belated wedding present! I got to welcome a friend back to the West Coast by sending her and her new hubby wine and wine glasses to celebrate their return!!<br />
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And in 2014- I am over the moon excited to send them a baby present!! I want to send her a package of all of my favorite baby things that I never knew about. I have a running list in my head!! Another note to self- don't forget to send said baby package! <br />
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I also love sending Thank You notes- I don't do it often enough and I really need to stop thinking of it as a chore! <br />
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I also 'sent' our entire family down to LA for the week after xmas. I could tell it meant a lot to my Mom- she did so much for us in November!! And the week was beyond fantastic. It was also great to see that the Thank You note that we sent was on her wall of cards!!!<br />
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Day 8: <a href="http://www.weverb14.com/2014/01/8-accept/">Accept</a>, what imperfections have you learned to accept?<br />
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Again, another tough one for me. I have totally accepted that life is more chaotic with a little one; our house will always be messier and I will almost NEVER feel on top of everything that is happening around me.<br />
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That said, in the last couple weeks, I've realized that I really don't like living in chaos. My heads been spinning with thoughts on declutter our life and 'living with intent' ever since 2014 hit.<br />
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So, I accept that my home and life won't ever be free of chaos, but I am really doing my best to eliminate it in the first place. Does that count as acceptance??<br />
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Day 9: <a href="http://www.weverb14.com/2014/01/9-laugh/">Laugh</a>, biggest belly laughs of 2013!! <br />
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Having a kid is full of extremes and one of the <i>extremes</i> is how FREAKING funny they can be without ever realizing it. For instance, blaming Mommy's fart on Daddy, which was pretty awesome (yes, I am a 12 year old boy). Or parroting back anything we say- the good, the bad, and the ugly; espeically the ugly- hearing an 18 month year old say ass hole is both hilarious and terrifying.<br />
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Or when talking to my 9 year old neice about my awesome alma mater- University of Washington. I said, 'Don't you want to go to school where your favorite Aunt went?' Without skipping a beat- "Yes, where did Aunt Jen (my sister) go!??" Zing.<br />
<br />
But really, those moments are fletting and hard to capture- expecially the<i> extremes </i>of being surrounded by much poop that you just have to laugh at yourself.<br />
<br />
I think the real belly aching has come from amazing dinners with close friends at our house and hanging out with my brother and sister in law over NYE. Laughing, drinking and eating so much over stuff that I can't remember. And constantly laughing at the little silly stuff that happen every day with a 2 year old.<br />
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Those are the memories, I can't put into words, but really make my heart happy!! Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1607047656114057976.post-2888916029699154772014-01-07T11:04:00.000-08:002014-01-07T11:19:14.269-08:00#weVERB2014<br />
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I've always wanted to participate in <a href="http://www.weverb14.com/">#weverb</a>, but I never had the time in December. This year weVERB is in January, so I am going to try my best to participate. 2013 was a really good year. A great year really- nothing O.M.G. exciting, but overall pretty dang great.<br />
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So far 2014 has been a bit bumpy, but I really hope that 2014 is even better. But I think this year I am going to need to live with more intent to make it even better!! And it will become clear very quickly what I am envisioning for 2014/early 2015....<br />
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Here's to the past and the future...<br />
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Day 1: <a href="http://www.weverb14.com/2013/12/1-compose/">Compose</a>, a haiku:<br />
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2013<br />
Baby to toddler.<br />
Worked on growing our roots.<br />
Stagnent yet moving.<br />
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2014<br />
Happiness surrounds us.<br />
Perhaps we'll grow by one more?<br />
Looking for changes...<br />
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Day 2: <a href="http://www.weverb14.com/2014/01/2-remember/">Remember</a>, what memory will I remember forever on 2013??<br />
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One word- swimming. From the first moment we stepped into the pool for Sugar Bear's first swim lesson- she was in heaven. After two months of indoor swim lessons, we ventured outside for a summer season of pool time. Almost every Friday night we took dinner to the pool and she shined. I can feel the warmth on our skin, the smile on her face, the sun giving her freckles, and the love and joy that we shared every moment making memories and friends. The added bonus was pool time in December with her in my parent's pool and hot tub- where I learned to swim- with cousins and grandparents. She truly is my water baby.<br />
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Day 3: <a href="http://www.weverb14.com/2014/01/3-hasten/">Hasten</a>, what shortcut did I learn in 2013? What do I want to speed up in 2014?<br />
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Well, perhaps I learned that their is no short cut. Time passes if I like it or not, which led me to finally jump off the excercise cliff. I've lost 10 lbs and ran 13 miles yesterday!!! I swear I will get to my dating weight in early 2014!!!<br />
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As for speeding things up, well I want to hasten our ability to both financially and physically complete our family. I am ready to be our family of four, and we'll get there, but most likely we'll reach this goal in 2015.<br />
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Day 4: <a href="http://www.weverb14.com/2014/01/4-rebuild/">Rebuild</a>,what do you plan to pick up or rebuild this year?<br />
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Does simplifying count as rebuilding?? Sugar Bear is really into saying- "I NEED IT." I'd like to stop saying those things, and rebuild a simpler life. <br />
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Day 5: <a href="http://www.weverb14.com/2014/01/5-sing/">Sing</a>, Song or lyric tied to 2013??<br />
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Well don't hate, but Blurred Lines. Take away the message, and I loved that song. Baby Bear always asked for the 'Good Girl' song and it's such a fun song to dance to. <br />
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The song that I really want to take into 2014- Well, the little lady has grown quite attached to the Muppets, her favorite- '<a href="http://www.muppetcentral.com/forum/threads/lifes-a-happy-song-lyrics.48582/">Life's a Happy Song</a>.' Truly, a song with an AMAZING message. And every time I hear it, and see her little face light up and sing along- Life is TRULY a happy song with my family beside me to sing along!! I hope she always loves that song and the muppets!!<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="http://video.disney.com/embed/4be38768315b8a0e1266b068" width="560"></iframe><br /><a href="http://video.disney.com/watch/life-s-a-happy-song-4be38768315b8a0e1266b068">Life's a Happy Song on Disney Video</a> <br />
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More to come. I have so much to share for Day 6!! <br />
<br />Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1607047656114057976.post-21337443884427611332013-11-19T12:19:00.000-08:002013-11-19T12:30:36.270-08:00The Writting on the Walls...Hi Lovelies, I hope you enjoy my little pinterest wins that I have been working on for the last year and a half.<br />
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This next one, as soon as I saw this <a href="http://www.vintagerevivals.com/2013/01/diy-sharpie-wallpaper-tutorial-this-is.html">inspiration </a>from <a href="http://www.vintagerevivals.com/2013/01/diy-sharpie-wallpaper-tutorial-this-is.html">Vintage Revivals</a>, I knew I HAD to do it. This project is GENIUS! VR is a freaking rock star! And I can't believe more folks haven't copied this:<br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/68/57/6c/68576cdaa608b143adfd3f3cfb5d7c1f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/68/57/6c/68576cdaa608b143adfd3f3cfb5d7c1f.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Here's the before with the sad sad sad white walls:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WwsCbqmrqB4/UDr1OWasp9I/AAAAAAAAHl4/_-R2r69E9wY/s720/IMG_2027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WwsCbqmrqB4/UDr1OWasp9I/AAAAAAAAHl4/_-R2r69E9wY/s640/IMG_2027.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And here's our master bedroom:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X9KaBr3kLq0/UoMM31o2OKI/AAAAAAAAIh8/6g7H68tAXAg/s720/P1110084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X9KaBr3kLq0/UoMM31o2OKI/AAAAAAAAIh8/6g7H68tAXAg/s640/P1110084.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Gah. I love it.<br />
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Although it is funny when folks ask
how I did that to the wall and I respond- sharpie. It really was a girls
dream come true; I felt like my Dad was going to walk into the room and
start yelling at me for drawing on the walls!!<br />
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Slight changes since you saw it last- new duvet from <a href="http://www.garnethill.com/everyday-printed-percale-bedding/bedding-bath/duvet-comforter-covers/131927">Garnet Hill </a>(fantastic quality for the price) and two clearance pink lamp shades from Ikea (slight fail as they cast a pink 'i am a five year old girl' type shadow over the entire room when turned on- but no one needs to know that during the day!)<br />
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The next bedroom project- de-beige the room: so a bright headboard!! Kinda like what I did for my <a href="http://sugarspiceliving.blogspot.com/2011/05/repost-headboard-mania.html">niece</a>. I am loving <a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/a7/5b/04/a75b041eab84adc2cc8c140e193d3ad7.jpg">this fabric</a>, and here's my inspiration:<br />
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<a href="http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2010/12/02/FLSRA205FL_wallpaper-green-upholstered-headboard-bedroom_s3x4_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2010/12/02/FLSRA205FL_wallpaper-green-upholstered-headboard-bedroom_s3x4_lg.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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And I am obsessed with <a href="http://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/a-shiny-happy-bedroom-makeover/">Emily Henderson's</a> recent version- LOVE:<br />
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<a href="http://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/emily-henderson-bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/emily-henderson-bedroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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PS No dogs were hurt during the taking of this photo- but one dog was VERY upset that his nap was interrupted! Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1607047656114057976.post-17309168326827117692013-11-13T12:17:00.002-08:002013-11-13T12:17:06.124-08:00Hello Lovely, Have a SeatHi Lovelies, <br />
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It's been ages. Anyone there??<br />
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Well, I left you on a super long cliff hanger. First I said I wasn't going to blog again, and then immediately I asked for your advice for dining chairs. How rude of me for never following up. Well, it has seriously taken me that long to finalize our dining area. So I thought I would spend a few weeks catching you up on our little old Sugar Shack! <br />
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I am embarrassed that this took a year- can you tell this took some serious thought?? Who knew this was such an important decision? Let's refresh your memory. Here's the area we started with (aka before we bought the house)... shivers....<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dNn2_d3kjjc/T7EJfohmNFI/AAAAAAAAG_0/mWbQgITT3Hc/s720/IMG_0564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dNn2_d3kjjc/T7EJfohmNFI/AAAAAAAAG_0/mWbQgITT3Hc/s640/IMG_0564.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's where I left you off- our Restoration Hardware Outlet beauty!:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wiG2hGXCRgw/UBi-WdngplI/AAAAAAAAHkU/EvxjOmIvMgE/s576/IMG_1816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wiG2hGXCRgw/UBi-WdngplI/AAAAAAAAHkU/EvxjOmIvMgE/s640/IMG_1816.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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It took a few months BUT I finally got the Mister on board with <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Mid-Century-Modern-Green-Wood-Y-Wishbone-Chair/6444129/product.html">these</a> wishbone chairs in green!!<br />
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Seriously, what's not to love about these <a href="http://www.dwr.com/product/wishbone-chair-lacquer-colors.do?sortby=ourPicks">Design Within Reach</a> chairs?<a href="http://www.dwr.com/product/wishbone-chair-lacquer-colors.do?sortby=ourPicks"> </a><br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/24/ea/8f/24ea8fbd571077cbef06d1e1b639b175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/24/ea/8f/24ea8fbd571077cbef06d1e1b639b175.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Love them. BUT alas, they were too short for our dining table. Who knew, but our Table is apparently on the taller side.<br />
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Feeling very sad, I returned my wishbone knock off. And immediately fell in love with this <a href="http://pawleysislandposh.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-05-09T07:00:00-04:00&max-results=25">inspirational picture</a> from <a href="http://pinterest./">Pinterest.</a> <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FGjmLw7qQB0/Tbn8zo3h9qI/AAAAAAAAGBo/qxbyhNvic_M/s1600/cook_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FGjmLw7qQB0/Tbn8zo3h9qI/AAAAAAAAGBo/qxbyhNvic_M/s640/cook_06.jpg" width="427" /> </a></div>
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Gorgeous, right? </div>
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Apparently, 'Chinese Chippendale Chairs' are very in. And man does <a href="http://www.zincdoor.com/p/Jonathan-Adler-Chippendale-Arm-Chair-White__JA9964.aspx">Jonathon Adler</a> do a beautiful version, but they are WAY out of my budget. So enter 9 months of searching.... for the perfect chair that is the perfect height!! <br />
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I just couldn't find what I wanted in my price range (official price range hovered right above great deal). So I did what any thrifty Mama would do- I scoured, splurged, bid, and mixed it up!!<br />
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First, I scoured Craigslist. I fell hard for some <a href="http://www.mcguirefurniture.com/onlinecatalog/detail.mcg?productNumber=M-90">McGuire</a> chairs, but with a broken seat and no cushions- in order to make them look like <a href="http://www.mcguirefurniture.com/onlinecatalog/detail.mcg?productNumber=M-90-LTD&resultsPageKey=-9453130-0">this-</a> made them TOTALLY unaffordable!! SO I made a quick decision and I ended up with three 'french style chairs' for a steal! <br />
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Saving so much from Craigslist, I splurged (for me) on two new <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/macau-side-chairs---set-of-2/chairs/dining-chairs/265552?isCrossSell=true&strategy=4">Ballard Design Macau Side Chairs</a>- enter a win! I had the most AMAZING customer service experience with them. Perhaps the BEST I have ever experienced!! So I had 5 new chairs, one repainted chair from the <a href="http://sugarspiceliving.blogspot.com/2011/09/dining-madness.html">streets of SF, and two metal chairs</a> from Viva Terra. I thought I was pretty set.<br />
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Then due to exquisite luck, <a href="http://shop.chairish.com/">Chairish</a> brought the look home!! Chairish is a new upscale version of craigslist for furniture only. I found two gently used Ballard Chairs. Again, I had an AMAZING experience with Chairish and their customer service!!<br />
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The seller lists a price, but you can bid on that price. You can also request local pick up if you live near by the seller. So I bid and won!! The best part- if I didn't like the chairs in person, I could have just walked away and said no. PLUS, no money changed hands when I picked them up. Chairish took care of that when I bid on them! <br />
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The final step- mixing it up- or really making my mix look like a set, which required lots of spray paint (here's my <a href="http://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/painters-touch-ultra-cover-2x/gloss/">hands down favorite</a>- don't get seduced by the one that says lacquer!!)...<br />
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Well, after all that build up, here she is:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Si9siDvomIU/UoMPuxS1cqI/AAAAAAAAIiw/gQfJJHNZmRg/s720/P1110156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Si9siDvomIU/UoMPuxS1cqI/AAAAAAAAIiw/gQfJJHNZmRg/s640/P1110156.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As you can sort of see, I need to make a decision on unifying the seats- I am debating a <a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/c2/ca/f0/c2caf016294b8fd6b14a6d96e7815456.jpg">bold fabric</a>, and I am also debating between two 'art' projects behind the table <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/76169/Upper-East-Side-contemporary-dining-room-new-york">1</a> or <a href="http://my-house-my-home.com/2013/02/27/diy-art-in-simple-white-frames-i-like-that-this-brings-bold-color-into-the-room-but-its-not-as-saturating-as-painting-the-whole-wall-great-for-apartments-too/">2</a>? But that's a story for another day!!<br />
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Well, was it worth the wait?? I hope to update you on a few other projects- all based on some fabulous <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/karenw/">pinterest</a> inspiration! Hope all is well with you!! Have you ever had a 'project' take almost a year?!? YIKES.Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1607047656114057976.post-58987243479295727802013-01-09T11:35:00.001-08:002013-01-09T11:41:23.939-08:00Dining Chair, help!And you thought I was done blogging. Ha.<br />
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I need your help.<br />
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If you are still reading, and you reply, you will be rewarded with more pics of Sugar Bear soon!<br />
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So remember when we bought this beautiful dining table from the Restoration Hardware outlet (for future reference it is a brown table with a gray stain on it- so it reads gray/brown):<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-he3n_7fxdmc/UDr3AUak3mI/AAAAAAAAHnY/cFMk5gGYjA4/s1600/IMG_2046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-he3n_7fxdmc/UDr3AUak3mI/AAAAAAAAHnY/cFMk5gGYjA4/s640/IMG_2046.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Well, it has been pointed out that our current dining chairs are woefully inadequate- apparently some folks don't think that a folding chair and outdoor bench make good dining chairs?!? I personally like <a href="http://sugarspiceliving.blogspot.com/2011/09/dining-madness.html">the white metal bistro chairs</a> that we bought almost two years ago from Viva Terra (no longer available), but they are very cold on your bottom. We aren't formal or traditional people, so we don't want it to look stuffy, but I do want DINING room chairs, aka not outdoor chairs or kitchen chairs. I want chairs that are going to be comfy to have a 5 hour long dinner with 8 bottles of wine (read: I envision long dinner parties with good friends as opposed to our current 15 minute dinners with Sugar Bear throwing food to the dog).<br />
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We are looking for two end arm chairs- I want something fairly substantial that can be used in the living area. And 4-6 center dining chairs (4 if we use the two white metal chairs- 6 if we don't). Budgetwise- we'd like them to average out to just over $200- so 200 to 250 range- more for the arm chairs less for the center chairs- make sense?<br />
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Before I go further, we have two road blocks to finding the perfect dining chairs: (1) Kitty Cat. We MUST avoid chairs with fabric, unless there is just fabric on the seat- I can live with that. (2) Like I said above, the table reads, gray/brown, so I have yet to figure out a wood option that either matches or contrasts- most fall in the almost match but not really category!<br />
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Oh, and before I show you some potential options, here's a look at the rest of the room taken this summer. The couch, rug and chair will be replaced at some point down the line- aka they are not forever furniture but no point in replacing them until we are past the point of daily milk stains on the couch:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oIBtebUZQVk/UDr16uGxDWI/AAAAAAAAHmk/S5U-qPj9TuM/s1600/IMG_2039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oIBtebUZQVk/UDr16uGxDWI/AAAAAAAAHmk/S5U-qPj9TuM/s640/IMG_2039.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The first chairs that we both agreed on were these Restoration Hardware Outlet chairs (around 200 on sale). They are more traditional, but I like that they read urban because they are a bit deconstructed and I LOVE the curved back. Alas, we moved on because we were worried that the kitty would ruin the little fabric on the back:<br />
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<a href="http://media.restorationhardware.com/is/image/rhis/prod1870785?$l-pd1$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="624" src="http://media.restorationhardware.com/is/image/rhis/prod1870785?$l-pd1$" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next we went to <a href="http://www.hdbuttercup.com/">H.D Buttercup</a> in SF during their 20% off sale and sat in at least a hundred chairs!!<br />
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Our favorite option there was the high contrast option- going all white. 'Herman Miller' knock off Molded Armchairs at the ends that I have always loved ($235 on sale at HD Buttercup):<br />
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<a href="http://www.interiorexpressoutlet.com/store/i/is.aspx?path=/Shared/Images/Products/Classic%20Designs/DC-866-white.jpg&lr=t&bw=540&w=540&bh=360&h=360" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://www.interiorexpressoutlet.com/store/i/is.aspx?path=/Shared/Images/Products/Classic%20Designs/DC-866-white.jpg&lr=t&bw=540&w=540&bh=360&h=360" width="640" /></a></div>
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Dining chairs that I like and think would look fantastic all together, they are comfy, but I don't love them (just over $200 on sale at HD Buttercup):<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MbFn6SCkVQA/UKu1TNMLCkI/AAAAAAAABFw/DikxSFBoves/s1600/DSC_0937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MbFn6SCkVQA/UKu1TNMLCkI/AAAAAAAABFw/DikxSFBoves/s640/DSC_0937.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
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Third look:<br />
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I am sort of starting to obsess about these <a href="http://www.rejuvenation.com/catalog/products/leather-schoolhouse-chair">Leather School house dining chairs</a> from Rejuvenation ($219 each), but not sure how they would look with the table:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bztzZvSpIFY/UOvE6QKfTCI/AAAAAAAAIW0/dSpGglGXwCU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-01-07+at+11.03.25+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bztzZvSpIFY/UOvE6QKfTCI/AAAAAAAAIW0/dSpGglGXwCU/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-01-07+at+11.03.25+PM.png" width="584" /></a></div>
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And I can't figure out an arm chair that would work with them??<br />
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Another modern option, Mr. Spice and I both like ghost chairs for the ends in clear:<br />
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<a href="http://thekingofdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Kartell-Louis-Ghost-Chairs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" src="http://thekingofdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Kartell-Louis-Ghost-Chairs.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Or ORANGE to match our front door?<br />
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<a href="http://t.mdcd.net/t/q/thumbs/472/kartell-louis-ghost-chair-sunset-orange-8c527207dd74fa4e0203b191ee13ec0c52d5e939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://t.mdcd.net/t/q/thumbs/472/kartell-louis-ghost-chair-sunset-orange-8c527207dd74fa4e0203b191ee13ec0c52d5e939.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I don't find ghost chairs without arms to be comfy, so the only center dining chairs that I *think* would look good with the Ghost chairs that meet our requirements are these streamlined leather chairs. My sister has something similar so I know they are kinda comfy, but I don't love. From Crate and Barrel:<br />
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<a href="http://i.c-b.co/is/image/Crate/FolioSideChairWhite3QS11/&$web_zoom$&wid=558&hei=558/1010201131/folio-white-leather-side-chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i.c-b.co/is/image/Crate/FolioSideChairWhite3QS11/&$web_zoom$&wid=558&hei=558/1010201131/folio-white-leather-side-chair.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My last and final options would be to add more metal bistro chairs in the center. These I could go white or gun metal (these are a great price from <a href="http://www.industrywest.com/shop/chairs.html">Industry West</a>): And with our without wood, and with or with out a $35 white leather cushion??<br />
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<a href="http://www.industrywest.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/1400x2100/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/X/0/X010_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.industrywest.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/1400x2100/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/X/0/X010_2.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.svpply.com/large/1808965.jpg?1345267088" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.svpply.com/large/1808965.jpg?1345267088" width="426" /></a></div>
Or wait, what about these without arms and with a leather bottom??<br />
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<a href="http://www.industrywest.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/1400x2100/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/3/0/3031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.industrywest.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/1400x2100/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/3/0/3031.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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And then do the Herman Miller knock offs above for the end chairs?<br />
<a href="http://www.interiorexpressoutlet.com/store/i/is.aspx?path=/Shared/Images/Products/Classic%20Designs/DC-866-white.jpg&lr=t&bw=540&w=540&bh=360&h=360" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://www.interiorexpressoutlet.com/store/i/is.aspx?path=/Shared/Images/Products/Classic%20Designs/DC-866-white.jpg&lr=t&bw=540&w=540&bh=360&h=360" width="640" /></a><br />
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Any likes or dislikes?? Please help. One desperate Momma who doesn't have the time to go shopping to look for the perfect chairs!?!?Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1607047656114057976.post-46707199081728884592012-12-11T11:01:00.002-08:002012-12-11T11:03:56.386-08:00Hello 14 Carrots...Sugar Bear's favorite word is Goodbye. In an effort to get her to say Hello. We added a little something to our front door just for her.<br />
<br />
A pint of <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/for-your-home/color-gallery#&ce_vm=2&ce_trd=YHL">Ben Moore's 14 Carrots </a>in exterior high gloss, Frog Tape, Rustoleum spray paint for the door knobs and a decal from Etsy seller <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WelcomingWalls?ref=pr_shop_more">Welcome Walls</a>.... and we had Hello & Goodbye covered.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wxNSTA54Z4s/UMeCriTvc2I/AAAAAAAAIVA/4X52Nc3i0No/s1600/door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wxNSTA54Z4s/UMeCriTvc2I/AAAAAAAAIVA/4X52Nc3i0No/s1600/door.jpg" /></a></div>
We absolutely LOVE it. Although, Sugar Bear's favorite word is still Goodbye!<br />
<br />
PS The entrance is <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/wisteria#ce_s=wisteria">Ben Moore's Wisteria!</a>Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1607047656114057976.post-80892922721370248772012-12-07T06:30:00.000-08:002012-12-07T06:30:04.071-08:00Sugar Bear Months 10 and 11Oh my goodness, Sugar Bear is almost a year!! Crazy.<br />
<br />
Before I forget, here's a wrap up of the last couple months.<br />
<br />
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(No one bought her, so we finally had to take her back home with us!!)</div>
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<br /></div>
Right after I wrote my last update on Sugar Bear, she FINALLY got her two front teeth. So right before she turned 10 months. It was very anti-climatic when they came it. I think her teething pain was a couple weeks before they actually popped in.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D4fIPT4tCNs/UK3F1_tsifI/AAAAAAAAISw/IFpaVfc0wPI/s1600/P1080669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="457" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D4fIPT4tCNs/UK3F1_tsifI/AAAAAAAAISw/IFpaVfc0wPI/s640/P1080669.jpg" width="640" /></a>We *think* she is in the process of getting the top two now! (Her gums are all white and she's been tugging at her ear).<br />
<br />
High fives and waving are still a favorite:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W_qOpVB1DH8/UJYHzBxXVZI/AAAAAAAAIQQ/uX_1XkDwR04/s1600/P1070513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W_qOpVB1DH8/UJYHzBxXVZI/AAAAAAAAIQQ/uX_1XkDwR04/s640/P1070513.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Talking, talking, talking.<br />
<br />
Little Miss Talks A Lot.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J3bAI4Qg-rM/UJYPRXw7gXI/AAAAAAAAIQQ/Z4-sISG-clU/s1600/P1070967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J3bAI4Qg-rM/UJYPRXw7gXI/AAAAAAAAIQQ/Z4-sISG-clU/s640/P1070967.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
About a month ago she started saying 'Bye.' Then she exploded with Bye. Goodbye. And Bye Bye. One morning she crawled out of her room, into my room, and closed the door and said bye. That activity- open and closing the doors and saying good bye- has offered hours and hours and hours of entertainment. I'd share a video- but she's naked in the best one I have (yes, diaper rash is still an issue on her sensitive bum- Palmer's has been hands down the best stuff for her!)<br />
<br />
Her second favorite word is Mom. She calls both me and Mr. Spice- Mom, and I am 99% sure she uses Mom as more!! (she learned how to sign more for a day or two, but now I think she just says it). She can sign all done- usually she just waves her hands or reaches up for you to get her out of her high chair.<br />
<br />
We've heard hints of Dad. She's using Hi more and more. And in the bath she says 'Duck, Duck'- I have been saying for months that 'the ducky goes quack quack'- so I think she transferred that to saying duck twice!<br />
<br />
In addition to talking- she is a crawling SPEED DEMON. To survive the weekends when Mr. Spice was working, I inadvertently set up stations in each room of the house that she could get into.<br />
<br />
For example- the bookcase in the kitchen now has bowls on each shelf that she can get into and play with; the cabinet in the bathroom has empty soap boxes that she can play with- all other items are zipped up. I am screwed for when she figures out how to open a zipper. Oh, and just last week- she figured out how to open a lipstick!! DANGER!!!<br />
<br />
Otherwise, she now seems to know which areas she can get into- and in one hour, she can tear through the entire house. The wake of Sugar Bear is pretty intense. If we are spending the whole day at home, I just leave it and clean it up at the end of the day (or week).<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oqwTC-G-ozg/UJYMgiigd0I/AAAAAAAAIQQ/1kUXhJwZvGM/s1600/P1070702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oqwTC-G-ozg/UJYMgiigd0I/AAAAAAAAIQQ/1kUXhJwZvGM/s640/P1070702.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I will say that baby proofing just two cabinets with cleaning supplies has made a world of difference to feel comfortable with her playing in a room without hoovering over her.<br />
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<br />
Food. She's a sharer. She loves to eat and give some to you or the dog- or the dog will take it straight out of her hand and she'll laugh!<br />
<br />
The last couple weeks I have noticed that she's really slowing down on the bottles and ramping up on the solids, which I guess will make weaning off of bottles that much easier. I can only eat food that she can eat around her- if she sees me eat something she immediately wants to try it.<br />
<br />
What is she eating? Sugar snap peas are her favorite, along with cheese sticks and pretzel sticks. Pretzel sticks are great because you can put one in both hands and she'll happily munch away for ten minutes. She's not a huge meat eater, but she does love these apple/banana/pumpkin pancakes that I have been making on the weekend, carbs (even though I try to limit these- she loves- bread, challah, puffs, pasta and cherrios), oatmeal, avocado, rice & beans, apples & pears, bananas (she can eat an entire banana for a snack), and freezed dried fruit are still favorites.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1btqzQ1EUcU/UK3FaNCQlzI/AAAAAAAAISg/Y8k4kJaEDJM/s1600/P1080763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1btqzQ1EUcU/UK3FaNCQlzI/AAAAAAAAISg/Y8k4kJaEDJM/s640/P1080763.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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<br />
A few more just because:<br />
<br />
What in this picture is wrong- can you find it??<br />
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<br />
<br />
Our 'matching' Halloween costumes. Yes she went as a baby bear!:<br />
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<br />
And here she is getting ready for next week- our Winter OND-derland Holiday/ First Birthday party!!<br />
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<br />
<br />
How is my little baby bear almost one?? I am going to be a crying mess next week!!<br />
<br />
Happy Friday and HAPPY Hannukah!! Our December festivus and Chrismukkah has officially begun!!Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1607047656114057976.post-74971095608334774212012-11-26T21:42:00.007-08:002013-02-26T09:19:41.045-08:00Sleep Training Sugar BearI wrote a post about sleep for <a href="http://sugarspiceliving.blogspot.com/2012/08/looking-back-sleeping-baby-week-1-16.html">the first 16 weeks</a>, and I am finally getting around to writing about our journey to sleep train. We did it at 16 weeks and yes, we hired a Sleep Consultant- totally 1000% worth it. The Sleep Consultant recommend Sugar Bear be 12 pounds or 12 weeks before we start, but if I had to do it again- I would do it one week after her 4 months shots. We did it the week before and then the shots screwed everything up again, so it would have been better if we had just waited. <br />
<br />
We did cry it out- it
is hard, but it sooo worth it. I really do think you have to suffer through a bit to
make your Little One a good sleeper for LIFE! Think of it as your duty- like tummy
time. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VvwtlWUrhoA/UFjPSM4id3I/AAAAAAAAH7I/GdAdnEOGKMc/s1600/P1010041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VvwtlWUrhoA/UFjPSM4id3I/AAAAAAAAH7I/GdAdnEOGKMc/s640/P1010041.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
First, you both HAVE to get on the same page. Remember NO good decisions are made at 2am- no matter if you are in a club or yelling at our spouse to help you get the baby to sleep. So decide before you even begin who is going to do what.<br />
<br />
We
started on a Saturday on the last nap of the day- 4:30ish. It was always the
worst nap of the day, and then at night, she always had a couple
witching hours, which were the worst. <br />
<br />
#1 A good sound machine- the one we have also moves air around in the room- which is really great!! Love our <a href="http://www.activeforever.com/p-1569-marpac-dohm-980a-sound-machine-conditioner.aspx?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=csc&utm_content=A17357&utm_campaign=physical-therapy&gclid=COSxiNSw7rMCFaU5QgodCH4AmQ">Dohm</a>, and it travels with us!
<br />
<br />
#2 A routine. Mostly for night time. Boob (or bottle), bath,
book and bed. One thing we learned- separating food and sleep are really
important. This helps when she wakes up in the middle of the night to
get her back to sleep. That way she doesn't demand food when you know
she doesn't need it or depend on the boob to soothe herself to sleep. <br />
<br />
#3 Set up a plan before you start: How long
will you let her cry between going in? We did 5 minutes, 5minutes, 7 minutes, 10
minutes, and then we'd do the nuclear option. Mr. Spice would set a timer.
In between sets, we'd go in, pick her up, spend a minute or two
reassuring her, and then put her down again. <br />
<br />
The nuclear option
for us included putting her in the car seat, putting a blanket over her
to make the room darker (a pitch black room is best), and then bouncing the car seat up and down. If
that still didn't work, we'd add the pacifier (the one with the hole- I'd put my finger in it and Mr. Spice would bounce her- total team effort!). The goal was to get her to fall asleep by soothing herself, and the car seat was better than getting herself to sleep in our arms. <br />
<br />
#4 Second part in setting up a plan: How long do
you want her to go before feeding her if she wakes up in the middle of
the night? Sugar Bear had done two 8-hour stretches,
so we knew she could do it. We started with the goal of getting her to
sleep for 6 hours. I remember the first couple nights she went 5 hours 45
minutes, so I just fed her. But set a goal. When she woke up before
that Jeremy would wake up and spend a few minutes soothing her and then
putting her down (again, separating food (boobies) and sleep). <br />
<br />
#4 Just go for it. <br />
<br />
After
4 sessions of CIO and 24 hours, it was so much better. If you seriously can't listen to her
cry- take a shower or let your partner be in charge and go on a walk
without her. <br />
<br />
Also soon after sleep training your Little One will be done with the 90 minute sleep cycle and will probably be ready to
go to <a href="http://alphamom.com/parenting/baby/the-2-3-4-sleep-routine/">2, 3, 4 hour routine.</a> AKA first nap after two hours, second after
three, and then bed after 4.<br />
<br />
Another FAQ: When to switch out of a swadde? As soon as Sugar Bear turned over- I got rid of the sleep swaddle (Summer's were our favorite) and switched to a sleep sack. <a href="http://www.babydeedee.com/">DeeDee's Sleep Nest</a> came HIGHLY recommended! We love ours. I recommended getting a Medium. Sugar Bear has been growing into a Medium for over 6 months (she's still in the medium at 14 months)! <br />
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QUESTIONS??</div>
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Update to answer questions:</div>
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1. <b>Why we choose 16 weeks</b>? Well, I was about to go back to work; Sugar Bear had done two 8-hour stretches; she had passed the 12 week/12lb mark, and we were READY!</div>
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2. <b>How long did it take</b>? The first 24 hours were rough, the next week was hit or miss, and then it took a month or so to really feel like it worked (it didn't help that she had her 4 month shots two weeks after we trained). I remember it taking a few months after that to just feel comfortable letting her get settled/self sooth herself to sleep. At 11 months, sometimes we can hear her crying for a minute or 2, but that is usually when she is most tired and soothing herself. I think it really is a 2 phase process. 1. The hurtle of CIO and 2. the hurtle of consistently getting her down for the whole night every night. </div>
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And Good Luck!!</div>
Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1607047656114057976.post-90480587347598434422012-11-19T11:57:00.001-08:002012-11-19T11:57:15.462-08:00So long but not farewell...Oh Lovelies, it has been such a long while.<br />
<br />
I am so remiss. I miss your kind words and bits of advice, but .....<br />
<br />
And this is a big but....<br />
<br />
the world of blogging has seemed to pass me by.<br />
<br />
I want this little Blog to be a perfectly cute and an amazing resource of mommihood, house decorating, and life, but I am finding that the world of blogging seems to cover all of those topics so much more eloquently then I can and do.<br />
<br />
I started blogging my wedding because I felt I could do that- I could provide insightful and useful information, and I did. And was so rewarded by being apart of the Bee, so I kept going...<br />
<br />
I started this Blog with pictures of my dream home and projects that I would love to do some day. Well, life is what happens when you are planning.<br />
<br />
My little world now includes my wonderful Husband, my freaking amazing and adorable Sugar Bear, our old soul doggy, our finicky feline and our much loved little home.<br />
<br />
This is my long winded way of saying that I don't feel like I can give this Blog the love it needs and deserves. Plus, I think the internet now provides such better resources to share little bits here and there, so I won't be updating this blog any more.<br />
<br />
In case you still want to find me, I am all over these sites:<br />
Instagram: @sugarspicelivin<br />
<br />
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/karenw/<br />
<br />
Twitter: @sugarspicelivin<br />
<br />
Please follow and I will try to follow back- I so want to continue this journey together.<br />
<br />
I want to do a couple more Sugar Bear monthly updates- She turns one year old in three weeks!! Holy Hell!!<br />
<br />
But otherwise, this is my chance to say so long, but not farewell!!<br />
<br />
I hope you all have an amazing Thanksgiving!!<br />
<br />
And because I can't resist, here's some Sugar Bear from last month...<br />
<br />
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OXOXO.Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1607047656114057976.post-24875883741858213612012-10-27T15:41:00.001-07:002014-08-27T10:34:11.430-07:00Wine Country Livin<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lXFIkgguxII/Sb7Z-2MuSGI/AAAAAAAAAyg/PncUUhzrw6I/s1600-h/wine2" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lXFIkgguxII/SbqIwaQGmsI/AAAAAAAAAww/J8vaswpCcHc/s1600-h/wine1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lXFIkgguxII/Sb7zMhpZd1I/AAAAAAAAAzY/1WjNnocH-Rc/s1600-h/wine2.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lXFIkgguxII/Sb7aAPqeadI/AAAAAAAAAy4/h6KZT7ovck0/s1600-h/wine5" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lXFIkgguxII/Sb7Z-2MuSGI/AAAAAAAAAyg/PncUUhzrw6I/s1600-h/wine2" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lXFIkgguxII/SbqIwaQGmsI/AAAAAAAAAww/J8vaswpCcHc/s1600-h/wine1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lXFIkgguxII/Sb7zMhpZd1I/AAAAAAAAAzY/1WjNnocH-Rc/s1600-h/wine2.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lXFIkgguxII/Sb7aAPqeadI/AAAAAAAAAy4/h6KZT7ovck0/s1600-h/wine5" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>So I originally wrote this post back back in 2009, so I thought I would refresh it now that we live in Wine Country full time. <br />
<br />
I also
must preface this post: Mr. Spice isn't a fan of big built up wineries,
so you won't see any of those on the list. We also love finding a wine
that is a great deal for the money. As Mr. Spice says, anyone can make a
great $100 bottle of wine- but can they make a good $20 bottle too??<br />
<br />
New to wine tasting? Our #1 rule of wine tasting: if you you like it great!! There
are no rules of who says a wine is good or bad- all that matters is that
you enjoy drinking it!<br />
<br />
In the vain of my previous post, and some of Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Spice's</span></span> favorite books growing up- think of this post as a choose your own adventure:<br />
<br />
<br />
First
choice: choose the region that you want to visit. While wine country
can look pretty easy to navigate on a map, the roads are small and
windy, so for a perfectly relaxing mini-moon I'd choose one of the
regions below for a weekend or two for a longer weekend. What ever you
do, don't attempt all of them unless you have a week.<br />
<br />
<br />
The three regions that I am going to focus on are: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Napa</span></span> Valley, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Sonoma</span></span>, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Healdsburg</span></span>. Each has something different to offer. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">To way over generalized: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Napa</span></span> Valley is most known for Cabernet's and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Chardonnays</span></span> and it's probably the most built up (read: expensive). Northern <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Sonoma</span></span> is more known for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Pinot</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Noirs</span></span>, Cabernet's, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Savignon</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Blancs</span></span>, it's probably the least built up, which gives you a feeling of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Napa</span></span> about 15 to 20 years ago. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Healdsburg</span></span> is quite possibly our very favorite place- Mr. Spice lived there for two years and would love to move back. It's generally known for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Zinfandel's</span></span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Savigvnon</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Blancs</span></span> with some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Pinot</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Noirs</span></span>. The town square itself is pricey, but I love the wineries and the people in the area. Here's a map to get you situated:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">So you've chosen to spend a few days up in </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Napa</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Valley</span>:<br />
<br />
Heading up from the Bay Area, if you are a wine newbie- make your first stop at <a href="http://www.larsonfamilywinery.com/">Larson Family Vineyard</a>. Its as low key as it comes- with bocce and a great outdoor picnic space. Next, one of the most beautiful wineries you'll hit: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Domaine</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Carneros</span></span>- it's all sparkling, and very romantic (I've even witnessed a proposal on the deck). Make sure you sample one of their <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">scrumptious</span> flights of sparkling wines.<br />
<br />
<br />
Next, go to the City of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Napa</span></span> and go to the <a href="http://www.vintnerscollective.com/">Vintner's Collective</a>.
It's a group of small wineries that are too small to have their own
tasting rooms, but the wine is awesome!! It allows you to taste a bunch
of great wine in one setting. Here I'd even let them know what types of wine you like best and let them pick for you- most likely they will give you something off the list!! (Updated post earthquake: This building is most likely gone due to earthquake damage.)<br />
<br />
For lunch, walk across the street to <a href="http://www.azzurropizzeria.com/">Pizza <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Azzurro</span></span></a> (where we had our first date) or drive over to <a href="http://www.oxbowpublicmarket.com/">Ox Bow Public Market</a>-
it's based on the idea of the Ferry Building in San Francisco and a
great place to taste some local fare- the newest is Five Dot Ranch- meat, yum. Or burgers at Gotts, Hog Island Oysters, or Italian at Ca'Momi. Make sure you sit outside on the decks. And within walking distance is the
brand new <a href="http://specialoffers.starwoodhotels.com/Westin_Verasa_Napa/so.htm?PS=PS_aa_PNW_Google_westin_napa_90808_NAD_FM"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Westin</span></span></a>, which might be one of the best deals in Wine Country. Our good friend is one of the chefs at <a href="http://www.latoque.com/">La Toque</a>- holy amazing dining experience. <br />
<br />
After lunch or the next day, head North, to <a href="http://www.robertsinskey.com/">Robert Sinskey</a>, Mumm (another sparkling), or any place that just looks good. If you
have some major bucks to spend stay at the phenomenal <a href="http://www.poetryinn.com/">Poetry Inn</a>. We
also like <a href="http://www.minerwines.com/index.html">Miner</a> and <a href="http://www.chimneyrock.com/">Chimney Rock</a>. And if you want a truly unique and personal experience go up to St Helena, take a few hours out of you day and make an appointment at <a href="http://www.newtonvineyard.com/">Newton Winery</a>. OR<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/harlan-estate-oakville"> Harlen Estat</a>e- tell Julia that Karen sent you!! <br />
<br />
If you are staying in Napa, I'd highly recommend the <a href="http://napa.andaz.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels-napa-andaz/index.jsp?null">Andaz Hotel</a>. For Dinner in Napa, Mr. Spice's favorite place is Oenotri (<a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/oenotris-cal-ital-recipes-from-napa?fb_ref=fw-horz&fb_source=profile_oneline">Food and Wine</a> named it best new Italian Restaurant in the Country), <br />
while I personally love <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-pear-southern-bistro-napa">Pear</a> (southern deliciousness) on the river. Morimoto (Japanese) is pretty much the best sushi I have ever had, and cocktails at <a href="http://www.thethomas-napa.com/">The Thomas</a> on the third floor deck is ALWAYS a good idea. isOh, and fantastic gelato at Frati Gelato Cafe.<br />
<br />
In Yountville, I'd highly recommend <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/redd-wood-yountville">Redd Wood</a>- personal favorite, or trust the chefs at <a href="http://www.adhocrestaurant.com/">Ad Hoc</a> (brunch or dinner, so freaking good).<br />
<br />
If you want to drive all the way to St. Helena- first, be aware of traffic. Second, great stops: <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/st-supery-estate-vineyards-and-winery-rutherford">St. Supery</a>, <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/elizabeth-spencer-rutherford">Elizabeth Spencer</a>, and <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/v-sattui-winery-saint-helena">V. Sattui</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">If </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Sonoma</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> is more your speed</span>, make your first stop at <a href="http://www.larsonfamilywinery.com/">Larson Family Vineyard</a>. It's a great low key place for wine novices and I absolutely love their Roses. We also love <a href="http://www.vjbcellars.com/wine.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">VJB</span></span> Vineyards</a> and <a href="http://www.frankfamilyvineyards.com/">Frank Family,</a><br />
<br />
For lunch, it is worth the wait to try out <a href="http://www.thefremontdiner.com/">Fremont Diner.</a> Best Chicken and Waffles (CA style)!! <a href="http://www.oliveandvine.com/">Olive and Vine</a>, which also has an amazing cheese shop attached to it, is good as well.<br />
<br />
As for places to stay, if you
have a bit of money for a place to stay- I'd recommend the <a href="http://www.thecarnerosinn.com/thecarnerosinn/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Carneros</span></span> Inn</a>. I love stopping by and getting sandwiches on the weekend. Farm is fancy for dinner, while the Boonfly has the very best bloody mary. If you want to save your bucks to buy wine- I'd recommend staying at the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.elpuebloinn.com/">El <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Puelbo</span></span> Inn</a>. A must have reservation for dinner is the <a href="http://www.thegirlandthefig.com/html-sonoma/index.html">Girl and the Fig</a>. Other places nearby to check out are <a href="http://www.gloriaferrer.com/">Gloria <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Ferrer</span></span></a>, the <a href="http://www.cornerstoneplace.com/">Cornerstone Gardens</a> and Sister Sugar got married at <a href="http://www.brcohn.com/">B.R. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Cohn</span></span></a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">So you've </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42" style="font-weight: bold;">chosen</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Healdsburg</span></span>: our absolute favorite!! A few wineries we love are <a href="http://www.macphailwine.com/index1.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">MacPhil</span></span></a> for some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Pinot</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Noir</span></span>, <a href="http://www.dutchercrossingwinery.com/dutcher/index.jsp"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Dutcher's</span></span> Crossing</a>, <a href="http://www.quivirawine.com/">Quivera</a>, and the <a href="http://www.familywines.com/">Family Wineries</a>, which is another collective where I'd suggest sampling Forth, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Amphoria</span></span>, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Dashe</span></span> Cellars. I also wouldn't miss making a reservation at <a href="http://www.untivineyards.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Unti</span></span> </a>(or in a pinch- just try walking in).<br />
<br />
You must stop off at <a href="http://www.diavolapizzeria.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Diavola</span></span> Pizzeria</a> for lunch and either <a href="http://www.scopahealdsburg.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">Scopa</span></span></a> or <a href="http://campo-fina.com/">Campo Fina</a> for Dinner (both owned by a friend). All are so amazing. I'd recommend resting your head at Hotel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">Healdsburg</span></span> for a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">splurge</span>, or the <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/best-western-dry-creek-inn-healdsburg">Dry Creek Best Western</a> for a good deal for the money.<br />
<br />
Once you've eaten and drank your way through Wine Country don't forget to pamper yourself a bit. If you are in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">Napa</span></span> Valley, take the time to drive North to the Hot Springs in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">Calistoga</span></span>- love <a href="http://www.indianspringscalistoga.com/">Indian Springs</a>. If you are in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">Sonoma</span></span>, the Spa at the <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/sonoma"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">Sonoma</span></span> Mission Inn</a> is fantastic. And in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">Healdsburg</span></span>, Hotel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">Healdsburg's</span></span> <a href="http://www.hotelhealdsburg.com/spa.php?node=home">Spa</a> is beautiful.<br />
<br />
In
the end, half the fun of wine tasting is choosing your own adventure,
so if you are driving around and you want to stop- by all means stop and
check something out- you may find your favorite wine of the day!<br />
<br />
And that's all we have time for today (let me know if you are interested in driving up to Anderson Valley).<br />
<br />
Wine Country Livin according to Sugar. Do you have a favorite local winery??Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1607047656114057976.post-14202778334024474292012-10-05T06:30:00.000-07:002012-10-05T09:34:15.394-07:00Sugar Bear FridayLovelies, it has been a month since my last Sugar Bear update. Man, time is FLYING by.<br />
<br />
Little Sugar Bear is getting more awesome by the day, and her little spit fire personality is starting to shine.<br />
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She's 9.5 months; I have no idea how much she weighs or how tall she is, but I had to measure her head for a Halloween hat (can't wait!!) and so I know her head is 44 cm.<br />
<br />
Let's see, what is she up to:<br />
<br />
Currently, she has a bruise on her cheek and two scratches. This little lady is mobile and EXPLORING everything. We have no idea how she bruised her chubby cheek, but the scratches are from her exploring.<br />
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Her favorite things: she loves to crawl right out of her room, stop, look back at you, and give you a devilish smile. She then crawls into the bathroom and uses the toilet as a drum.<br />
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She loves playing with my make up bag.<br />
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She loves eating banana spears, cheese sticks, peaches and anything else she can get into her mouth- earlier this month she tried to eat a slug and a few flowers.<br />
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Speaking of putting things in her mouth- she now loves to share- but she'll share something by trying to put it in your month!?!? She especially loves standing up in the bath and sharing with you her favorite orange crabby.<br />
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Still no teeth.<br />
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She loves to be tickled under her chin and on her belly. Peak-a-boo is always a huge hit.<br />
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She consistently sleeps from 7:30 to 6-7am and takes two 1-1.5 hour naps a day. Of course, she'll only sleep at night if she has her lovey. She loves turning the pages in her books, but she doesn't like sitting still long enough for you to read her a book- unless she's chugging a bottle.<br />
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She is starting to understand that it's easier to change her diaper if she sits still, but she only does that about 40% of the time. Otherwise, she's on the move.<br />
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She crawls, stands up, walks along anything, and now she is trying to reach out and teeter between pieces of furniture (see scratches and bruises above).<br />
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BIG news on the babble front- she now babbles MAMA, and Mr. Spice officially called "MAMA" her first word. I left the room- she said Mama and crawled after me.<br />
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My heart melted into a billion pieces. I am pretty sure that yesterday morning she used Dada too!!<br />
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But seriously, how can you not love this face!?!?<br />
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One last update- she High Fived this morning and LOVED it!Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1607047656114057976.post-20200624314881520172012-10-04T07:00:00.000-07:002012-10-04T07:00:04.919-07:00Next Time... Animals. Forest. Oh. My. For some reason, I am currently obsessed with all things baby animals. Blame it on Sugar Bear, but IF we were to have a second little one (we are talking in a year or so), right now I'd be all over an animal themed room.<br />
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Want to see my inspiration.<br />
<br />
Here goes.<br />
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I'd start with my current obsession- a Birch Wall Stencil:<br />
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I'd purchase a ton of these <a href="http://www.theanimalprintshop.com/art-for-kids/">Sharon Montrose</a> prints for the wall- 2, 4, 12- how ever many I can afford-<br />
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<br />
This super <a href="http://www.laylagrayce.com/Products/DwellStudio-Kids-Rug-Round-Woodland-Tumble-Chocolate__DWSB11218521.aspx">cute rug</a> would be cozily under his or her's feet:<br />
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<a href="http://www.laylagrayce.com//images/DwellStudio/DwellStudio_DWSB11218521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.laylagrayce.com//images/DwellStudio/DwellStudio_DWSB11218521.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And Ikea has such cute bedding options. This one is <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20178827/">19.99</a>:</div>
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/barnslig-ulven-duvet-cover-and-pillowcases__0102776_PE248330_S4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/barnslig-ulven-duvet-cover-and-pillowcases__0102776_PE248330_S4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And what little one wouldn't want to put their head down on tracks for <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70197531/">14.99</a>? </div>
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/vandring-skogsliv-duvet-cover-and-pillowcases__0132752_PE287620_S4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/vandring-skogsliv-duvet-cover-and-pillowcases__0132752_PE287620_S4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I think an animal themed room would be oh so very cute.<br />
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Anyone else digging animals??Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1607047656114057976.post-55523564040515757102012-10-03T07:00:00.000-07:002012-10-03T07:00:11.473-07:00Wallpaper LoveWhat's not to love about the on-going wall paper trend. I am all for wall papering a wall or two or twenty around the house.<br />
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And these from <a href="http://www.minakanilab.com/">Minakani Lab </a>are right up my alley:<br />
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Perfect for my entrance or living room:<br />
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<a href="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/1/35627/433583/MOSAIC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/1/35627/433583/MOSAIC.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Master bedroom, yes please! </div>
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<a href="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/1/35627/433581/webCLOUDY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/1/35627/433581/webCLOUDY.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sugar Bear totally needs this:</div>
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<a href="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/1/35627/433684/ANIMALS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/1/35627/433684/ANIMALS.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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And let's talk about doing a Where the Wild Things Are room theme- adult or kid!!<br />
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<a href="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/1/35627/433589/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/1/35627/433589/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
I ran the numbers, it is about $750 for a standard 8-foot by 10-foot wall. A great splurge if I do say so myself!!<br />
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Swoon. I heart wall paper.Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1607047656114057976.post-5078716987012839942012-10-01T07:00:00.000-07:002012-10-01T07:00:15.081-07:00Wall Flowers HelpYes, I need help making Mommy Friends, I admit it.<br />
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But this post is not about how I am a wall flower and have no friends.<br />
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It is about these flowers- the ones above our bed at our old APT:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NyNpZRvve9s/TCAamlDFGXI/AAAAAAAAE9w/uHwJC3Oddqw/s1600/IMG_2549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NyNpZRvve9s/TCAamlDFGXI/AAAAAAAAE9w/uHwJC3Oddqw/s640/IMG_2549.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_2Jtl6p6Jk8/TZ9hirMpELI/AAAAAAAAGAI/QVmvUvlI1B4/s1600/IMG_2537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_2Jtl6p6Jk8/TZ9hirMpELI/AAAAAAAAGAI/QVmvUvlI1B4/s640/IMG_2537.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I know they are a bit over done, a bit BBB, but I all our walls are currently EMPTY, so I guess I better use them in our new house.<br />
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Before I start- remember that I live in Earthquake country and nothing is going over anyones head if it can fall on them and hurt. So these are the perfect over the bed solution.<br />
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First, the guest room. Pros: kinda going with a flower theme in this room, so they seem appropriate, but then again- I now want to do a<a href="http://sugarspiceliving.blogspot.com/2012/09/entrance-with-inspiration.html"> super cool Birch Tree Stencil </a>in this room.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r73yCR-d-TM/UBjCYAt3JrI/AAAAAAAAHkI/lerLxyrckPY/s1600/P1050391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r73yCR-d-TM/UBjCYAt3JrI/AAAAAAAAHkI/lerLxyrckPY/s640/P1050391.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Second, Sugar Bear's room. Pro: They'd are inherently girly and would look super cute on her walls. I am just not sure which wall I'd put them up on in her room- I have plans for a photo wall on the wall to the left of this picture and a growth chart on the wall with the closet (not shown), maybe behind the chair on both walls would be perfect:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pBztJhUkKA8/UFiAi5g31-I/AAAAAAAAH6I/0N6NMfv2Mmo/s1600/P1060555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pBztJhUkKA8/UFiAi5g31-I/AAAAAAAAH6I/0N6NMfv2Mmo/s640/P1060555.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BMK5g9Dpz90/UC68Wr3u8NI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/oKKATKMpOrM/s1600/P1050360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BMK5g9Dpz90/UC68Wr3u8NI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/oKKATKMpOrM/s640/P1050360.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Third, the Master. I loved them before, I know I would love them again. Not to mention, I don't have any plans for anything else above our bed. And honestly, just looking at this picture makes me sad- this room needs some design STAT!!! Con: White on white? Too boring? And I was going for a more <a href="http://sugarspiceliving.blogspot.com/2012/06/master-bedroom-inspiration.html">sea vibe than floral vibe </a>(if that even makes sense??)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WwsCbqmrqB4/UDr1OWasp9I/AAAAAAAAHl4/_-R2r69E9wY/s1600/IMG_2027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WwsCbqmrqB4/UDr1OWasp9I/AAAAAAAAHl4/_-R2r69E9wY/s640/IMG_2027.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So tell me- one, two or three!!!<br />
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I need your help! Big wet sloppy kisses from Sugar Bear if you have gotten this far!Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1607047656114057976.post-26979525881254582942012-09-28T07:00:00.001-07:002012-09-28T07:00:02.104-07:00Happy Glamorous Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Working on finding balance on a Friday. A Mom in an evening gown, I am not, but man, some days I wish I was this glamorous....</div>
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<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8d16f5D1U1qg0umko1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8d16f5D1U1qg0umko1_500.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://theglitterguide.tumblr.com/post/29994737054">source.</a></div>
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Happy Friday. Are you doting an evening gown tonight or cuddling up in some white PJs?<br />
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PS this is officially post 500 for this little blog- thinking about doing some big changes around here- more structure and more design inspiration. What do you all think of that??</div>
Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1607047656114057976.post-72215797206819753772012-09-27T07:00:00.000-07:002012-09-27T07:00:00.450-07:00San Fran FabOk, so this country living, City girl might be totally 100% obsessed with the City by the Bay this week. Please indulge me, I have to share with you a FAB print.<br />
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Seriously, it's Fab from Fab.com. Do you Fab? I do, and I love it. It seems to be the hippest shopping site that I have found so far. Today, some sweet things from <a href="http://fab.com/sale/10961/">Honey and Bloom</a> have caught my eye.<br />
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This little SF number would look so great in my living room:<br />
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<a href="http://dnok91peocsw3.cloudfront.net/product/227714-360x360-1348436916-primary.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://dnok91peocsw3.cloudfront.net/product/227714-360x360-1348436916-primary.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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San Francisco Rise and Shine and for only $23!<br />
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Who doesn't want super cute $11 Calling Cards- these would be a perfect way for me to make more Mommy friends:<br />
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<a href="http://dnok91peocsw3.cloudfront.net/product/227717-360x360-1348436843-primary.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://dnok91peocsw3.cloudfront.net/product/227717-360x360-1348436843-primary.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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I also love that each day of the week has a theme- kids, pets, vintage, clothing, etc- and you can customize what emails you get each week.<br />
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<a href="http://fab.com/h7l4cu">Do you want to Fab- follow this link! </a>It's fab, probmise!!<br />
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<br />Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1607047656114057976.post-81228608680253428232012-09-26T07:00:00.000-07:002012-09-26T07:00:10.007-07:00A piece of the Golden Gate?Yes. Please.<br />
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How freaking cool are these pieces of furniture made from pieces of the Golden Gate Bridge!?!?<br />
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<a href="http://media.californiahomedesign.com/sites/all/files/side_table_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://media.californiahomedesign.com/sites/all/files/side_table_crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ggbfurniture.com/images/stories/desklamp//02_Golden_Gate_Bridge_Custom_Artistic_Furniture_Desk_Lamp_Back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.ggbfurniture.com/images/stories/desklamp//02_Golden_Gate_Bridge_Custom_Artistic_Furniture_Desk_Lamp_Back.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ggbfurniture.com/images/stories/design/Golden_Gate_Bridge_Custom_Artistic_Furniture_Breakfast_Table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.ggbfurniture.com/images/stories/design/Golden_Gate_Bridge_Custom_Artistic_Furniture_Breakfast_Table.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Amazingly awesome in my humble opinion.<br />
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All by the <a href="http://www.ggbfurniture.com/">Golden Gate Bridge Furniture Company</a>. I am too afraid to ask how much.Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1607047656114057976.post-4033005135686577442012-09-25T06:00:00.000-07:002012-09-25T09:05:37.310-07:00Fall Mantel (Debate)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hey Everyone, Today I am participating in the Autumn Link Parties: Fall Mantels with Kate from <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/">Censational Girl.</a> </div>
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<a href="http://1c6162ac207f6525cfd8-84665c880233094a565668f32cb79f8e.r10.cf2.rackcdn.com/2012/09/2012-fall-link-parties1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="http://1c6162ac207f6525cfd8-84665c880233094a565668f32cb79f8e.r10.cf2.rackcdn.com/2012/09/2012-fall-link-parties1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have to admit, our mantel isn't anything that crazy or super exciting, I dressed it up with less than $10 worth of flowers and a couple small pumpkins (I am really waiting to get on the pumpkin action when we take Sugar Bear to the amazingly awesome wine country pumpkin patch, which hasn't opened yet!).</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f6g8WDnbnf4/UFqk7tmiAvI/AAAAAAAAIBA/uAAn_k8yjv0/s1600/FallMantle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f6g8WDnbnf4/UFqk7tmiAvI/AAAAAAAAIBA/uAAn_k8yjv0/s640/FallMantle.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
So that said, I need your help on a design question. Right now the pictures are just leaning on the mantel. My original intention was to hang the pictures, but Mr. Spice likes that they are just leaning.<br />
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Here's the debate:<br />
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Hang them: It will take up some of the visual space above the mantle and it will free up the actual mantel for more seasonal specific decor.<br />
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Example- with the pictures hung, you can add more stuff:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y5MwUnnU4Mg/StOWvj4eXGI/AAAAAAAAAJU/Vorn0dxtK-Y/s400/fall+mantle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y5MwUnnU4Mg/StOWvj4eXGI/AAAAAAAAAJU/Vorn0dxtK-Y/s640/fall+mantle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://onefelloutofthecuckoosnest.blogspot.com/2009/10/fallhalloween-decorating-done-cheap.html">source: One Fell Out of the Cuckoos Nest.</a></div>
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Don't hang them: It looks cool, and it will give you free reign to switch the whole look up whenever you want to?? I like that this mantel looks really similar to ours, but their ceiling looks lower, or is that just a trick of a bigger picture and tall sticks??<br />
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<a href="http://cleverlyinspired.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/decorating-a-fall-mantle-cleverlyinspired-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://cleverlyinspired.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/decorating-a-fall-mantle-cleverlyinspired-7.jpg" width="572" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://cleverlyinspired.com/2012/09/02/decorating-a-mantle-for-fall-fall-mantel-dcor/" style="text-align: start;">source: cleverlyinspired. </a>
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Or do a mixture of both?? </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8giPcpsPUJs/TIGhRIQzpOI/AAAAAAAAHpA/aRDcMF__7EY/s1600/IMG_0278-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8giPcpsPUJs/TIGhRIQzpOI/AAAAAAAAHpA/aRDcMF__7EY/s640/IMG_0278-1.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://sweetsomethingdesign.blogspot.com/2010/09/fall-mantle.html">source: Sweet Something Designs</a>.
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I am excited to see what others do with their Fall Mantels. Leaning or Hanging?? I'd love to know your thoughts.<br />
<br />Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1607047656114057976.post-83987246229720368312012-09-24T11:43:00.000-07:002012-09-24T11:43:00.113-07:00Radar Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Schoolhouse Electric does it again- LOVE the <a href="http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/wp/post/index/p/1628/">Radar light</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/blog/wp-content/media/2012/04/RadareBlog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/blog/wp-content/media/2012/04/RadareBlog3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Not sure where I would put it in our house, but since it has a cord, I'd love to put it in my square beige box that I call an office on blue or orange!<br />
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Sigh, love <a href="http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/">Schoolhouse Electric.</a><br />
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Other things I want:<br />
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For the entrance:<br />
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<a href="http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/400x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/2/8/282.h035.4blfr_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/400x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/2/8/282.h035.4blfr_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For the hallway in bronze:<br />
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<a href="http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/400x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/2/5/251.0013.4_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/400x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/2/5/251.0013.4_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And for anywhere, so cute:<br />
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<a href="http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/media/catalog/category/Lighting_Hardware_Hero_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/media/catalog/category/Lighting_Hardware_Hero_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And this <a href="http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/home-and-office/office/clock-wall/schoolhouse-electric-clock-2247.html">clock</a>, living room or kitchen??<br />
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<a href="http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/media/cms/home/Home_Hero_Office.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/media/cms/home/Home_Hero_Office.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is my second Schoolhouse Electric post. I think I am officially obsessed!Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1607047656114057976.post-55125781354551232192012-09-21T09:37:00.001-07:002012-09-21T09:37:30.642-07:00Sugar Bear FridayJust swinging by to say Hiya. Happy Friday!!<div>
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Thanks for the all the great back yard suggestions (admittedly, all I did was hose off everything this morning!?).</div>
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Also, a HUGE thank you to all you lovely readers for commenting on my work supervising gig. It's still a work in progress. I'll keep you wonderful readers updated.</div>
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I am so excited for the weekend. Two great days with my Little Lady. No plans- except a big BBQ and a house full of overnight guests tonight. </div>
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One reason I am loving wine country, on clear mornings there are always gorgeous hot air balloons in the sky. This morning there were six. The most I have seen are eight. So as I walk out the door, I tell Sugar Bear- look it's a eight balloon day!!! She doesn't seem to care too much (yet) but I know she'll love them when she is a bit older. Here they are on there way down. I'll have to get a pic of them high in the sky. So cool:</div>
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That said. I have to share with you this adorable pic. Yes, my Sugar Bear is just a spoonful of Sugar and she had soooo much fun hanging out with this adorable cutie when we were in Washington:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sYcgsj1RTmk/UFyUccJsCfI/AAAAAAAAIBo/GlevErn41cQ/s1600/Charlotte%2526Hazel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sYcgsj1RTmk/UFyUccJsCfI/AAAAAAAAIBo/GlevErn41cQ/s640/Charlotte%2526Hazel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And yes, my pint sized lady has HUGE Grandpa size ears. I think it just makes her even that much more adorable!!</div>
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Have a great weekend! </div>
Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1607047656114057976.post-44692036261772389952012-09-20T07:00:00.000-07:002012-09-20T07:00:05.524-07:00Backyard InspirationSo we've been putting off seeding our back yard in case we got a late September heat wave, but with the early morning chill, I think it is safe to start seeding the yard ASAP. It just means watering it a couple times a day- and our back yard sprinklers are NOT on the timer. Bummer.<br />
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Another bummer- the yard looks pretty sad, and we are having friends over on Friday night for a BBQ- yes, that's tomorrow.<br />
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Just a reminder: Here's where we are on our backyard:<br />
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For the yard area, I envision a nice plush grass. A swing for Sugar Bear hanging from one of the limbs on the Redwood in the corner.<br />
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And maybe a couple colorful Adirondacks chairs from <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Green-Adirondack-Chair/6839779/product.html">o.co for $122</a>, yes please. <br />
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Or this wood one is sweet, <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Adirondack-Large-Folding-Chair/1751346/product.html">especially at $120</a>:</div>
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And here's what I wish our dining area looked like:<br />
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I'd love the 1964 corrugated roof to be gone, and a wood trestle in it's place.<br />
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Sigh, this isn't going to happen by tomorrow.<br />
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But maybe I can hose everything off and at least add some candles, placemats and flowers to the table??<br />
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Any other quick fixes that I can do in the next 24 hours?Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.com3